What Is the National Merit Scholarship Program?

The National Merit Scholarship Program  (NMSP) is one of the most prestigious scholarship competitions in the US, and it has been granting students the chance to achieve their academic dreams. Led by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) since 1995, their program recognizes academically outstanding students. It gives them the opportunity to pursue a higher education. 

So you might be wondering, "What is a merit scholarship?" Simply put, this scholarship is awarded based on a student's academic achievement, not financial need. So, if you're wondering what the National Merit Scholarship is, here's the answer to that question: it is a chance for you to earn recognition, stand out, and potentially win a piece of the $35 million awarded yearly finalist. And here's everything you need to know about it. 

How do you qualify for the National Merit Scholarship?

So, to start your journey for the National Merit Scholarship, you first need to start with the PSAT/NMSQT or the Preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This is what you need you need to know about qualifying for it: 

When to take the PSAT/NMSQT: The majority of the students who take this test take it in October of their junior year. With the variety of tests around that time, make sure to get the right one. Keep in mind that the one that you should get is the PSAT/NMSQT, which is the only one that will qualify you for this program.

Who can compete: 

• High school students, as well as homeschoolers from the US. 
• US citizen high school students attending school abroad. 
• You plan to enroll in college full-time after graduation with no gap years. 

How to register:

Keep in mind that you can't sign up for this program online. To take this exam, your school will be the one administering it, so remember to talk to your counselor early in your junior year to confirm the date and get registered.

What PSAT/NMSQT Score Do You Need?

The score you get from your PSAT/NMSQT will establish whether you qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. This specifically applies to your Selection Index Score. 

• How do you find your Selection Index Score?: You can find this by doubling the sum of your Reading, Writing, Language, and Math test scores. With this in mind, you must meet or exceed your state's cutoff.  
• What is the average qualifying selection index score?:  Typically, it's 217, but it also varies from the state you're in. 
• What is the maximum possible score?: The maximum score is 240.

Pro Tip: When trying to qualify for this program, always aim for the highest score possible since the cutoffs are different per state, and the competition is tough. 

What Happens Next? 

Keep in mind that this competition has multiple stages, and with a volume of students trying to compete, only a small percentage can make it to the final round. So here's how this competition works: 

1. Commended students 

Over 34,000 students are recognized for high scores. 

They don't advance, but in turn, they get a Letter of Commendation that will look great for college applications.

2. Semifinalist 

For the semifinals, over 16,000 can qualify, but this depends on their state's cutoff scores. 

To move forward, semifinalists must submit an application.

3. Finalist

At this stage, only 15,000 students can advance. 

At this point, to qualify, you'll need:

• Submit an application with your academic record, extracurriculars, and a personal essay.
• Confirm your PSAT/NMSQT score by taking the SAT or ACT. 
• You need an endorsement from your high school principal. 

What Can You Win?  

By becoming a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, you'll be eligible for three different scholarships:

National Merit $2,500 Scholarships: This scholarship is a one-time award given by the NMSC. 

Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships: Offered to children of employees. This is offered by companies. 

College-Sponsored Scholarships: There are universities that offer renewals for these scholarships to finalists who enrolled in their schools.

Why Should You Compete for the National Merit Scholarship?

Winning offers a lot of benefits that can help your education. However, by simply participating in the NMSP, you'll still enjoy a lot of benefits:

• If you manage to become a semifinalist or a Commended Student, it will add weight to your college applications.
• Your preparation for the PSAT/NMSQ will help you improve your SAT Score.
• Becoming a Finalist can open doors for you to more opportunities and scholarships. 

How to Improve Your Chances for the NMSC? 

Here are some things that you can do to boost your odds: 

• Prep Early: You can use your SAT prep materials to practice and prep for the PSAT/NMSQT since the two exams are very similar.
• Take Practice tests: Doing this will help you streamline your strengths and weaknesses so you can focus your study efforts. 
• Don't take any sections lightly: Your scores are based on your scores on Reading, Writing, and Language and Math, so make sure to balance your prep time equally. 

Is taking the NMSC worth it?

Yes, it is! Competing in the National Merit Scholarship Program may be challenging, but the reward you can get goes a long way. For this reason, whether you win the scholarship or not, the recognition you can get can set you up for better college applications and other scholarship opportunities. 

So, are you ready to take on the challenge? If so, start preparing and take the first step to your academic success! Who knows? You might be the next National Merit Scholar!