National Merit Scholarship Program
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
In 1955 — at the height of the Cold War — it seemed the Soviet Union might outshine the United States in scientific achievement. The U.S. knew it needed to respond fast if it wanted to close the gap with the Communist world. Since scientific excellence begins in the classroom, the National Merit Scholarship Program was established — setting its sights on identifying and rewarding America’s most outstanding high school students. Decades later, the National Merit Scholarship Program is still one of the most broadly known scholarships in the country — implementing a vigorous selection process that grants cash prizes to less than 1% of the talented students who apply.
The National Merit Scholarship is a highly prestigious scholarship awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. It is funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and approximately 8,050 scholarships are awarded each year, with individual awards worth up to $2,500.
The selection process for recipients of the award begins with students taking the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and getting a qualifying score. Students who qualify as semifinalists then compete for the scholarship by submitting an application, receiving letters of recommendation, and completing an essay.
Scholarship Summary
In 1955 — at the height of the Cold War — it seemed the Soviet Union might outshine the United States in scientific achievement. The U.S. knew it needed to respond fast if it wanted to close the gap with the Communist world. Since scientific excellence begins in the classroom, the National Merit Scholarship Program was established — setting its sights on identifying and rewarding America’s most outstanding high school students. Decades later, the National Merit Scholarship Program is still one of the most broadly known scholarships in the country — implementing a vigorous selection process that grants cash prizes to less than 1% of the talented students who apply.
The National Merit Scholarship is a highly prestigious scholarship awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. It is funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and approximately 8,050 scholarships are awarded each year, with individual awards worth up to $2,500.
The selection process for recipients of the award begins with students taking the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and getting a qualifying score. Students who qualify as semifinalists then compete for the scholarship by submitting an application, receiving letters of recommendation, and completing an essay.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: High School Junior – High School Senior
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: Any
- Geographic Eligibility: United States
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Any
Key Information of National Merit Scholarship Program
Study Details
Area of Study
Any
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
Any
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Standardized test scores
- Essay
- Faculty endorsement
- School verification
- Recommendation letters
National Merit Scholarship Program Timeline
October
PSAT/NMSQT Test Dates
Dates for the test are decided by your school district but are usually set during October. Speak to your school counselor to find out when the date for your school's test is.
November
Scores released
Your PSAT scores are released four to six weeks after your test is taken.
September
Semifinalists announced
Semifinalists for the award will be announced and notified. You will need to complete the application at this stage.
March – May
Scholarship winners announced
Finalists of the award will be announced and notified.
How to ace the National Merit Scholarship Program
Take the PSAT/NMSQT as a sophomore
Historically, you need to score in the top 1% on the PSAT/NMSQT to even be considered a semifinalist. Although the National Merit Scholarship Program doesn't accept PSAT/NMSQT from high school sophomores (you have to be a junior or in your next-to-last year of high school), starting early will give you extra practice. And as they say, practice makes perfect!
Go for depth, not breadth
As tempted as you may be to collect extracurricular activities, the selection committee isn't looking for breadth — they're looking for depth. Get deeply involved in a handful of activities where you can demonstrate leadership.
Get on your school principal's good side
If you're named a finalist, you'll need a recommendation from your school principal. So develop a rapport with them — they'll be key to bringing your abilities to life when the time comes.
Prepare for the test
There are many resources available online to help you prepare for the PSAT. The NMSC even provides a guide to help you prepare. Make use of these resources, as they will help you in the long run.
How the National Merit Scholarship Program is Judged
The judging criteria for the scholarship are based on the following: PSAT/NMSQT scores, SAT scores, academic excellence, and extracurricular activities.
Why We Love the National Merit Scholarship Program
There are tons of awards available
The contest gives out 8,050 awards of various types, including National Merit Scholarships, corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships, corporate-sponsored Special Scholarships, and college-sponsored Merit Scholarships.
Students from smaller states have a better chance of winning
Semifinalists are selected purely on the basis of PSAT/NMSQT scores, and every state must be represented. So if you're from a less competitive state — say, North Dakota — your chances of landing in your state's highest-scoring bracket are greater than if you lived in a more competitive state like New York.
You don't have to do much to apply
It's easy to apply — all you have to do is take the PSAT/NMSQT and submit a bit of paperwork. No essays are needed — at least not until you make it to the final round. If you're selected as a semifinalist based on your PSAT/NMSQT scores, you'll need to submit additional documents, take the SAT, write an essay, and get a recommendation.
5 Facts About the National Merit Scholarship
Bill Gates was a National Merit Scholar
He won the prestigious scholarship in 1973.
Less than 1% of applicants win a scholarship
Of the 1.6 million students who apply, only 8,050 win a scholarship.
You need to score at least 1400
Historically, most students named finalists have scored at least 1400 out of 1520 on the PSAT.
The Cold War inspired the scholarship
The program was established to help the U.S. catch up with the Soviet Union in science.
New Jersey and D.C. are most competitive
The cut-off PSAT scores are highest in these states because so many students are competing.