For high school students who dream of attending top universities in the United States, the National Merit Scholarship may be one of the most prestigious accolades they can earn. To earn this award, students have to undergo a rigorous selection process where they are evaluated based on their academic achievements and leadership skills.
If you’re a high school student or a parent looking for more information about the National Merit Scholarship, keep reading! In this blog post, we’ll discuss what National Merit Scholarship is, how it works, and how you can increase your chances of becoming a National Merit Scholar.
What Is National Merit Scholarship?
National Merit Scholarship is an academic scholarship offered to high school students in the United States. The scholarship is awarded annually by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). To qualify for this scholarship, students have to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year of high school.
The scores from this test are used to determine a student’s eligibility for the scholarship. Those who receive high enough scores are named National Merit Semifinalists. From this group, a smaller number of finalists are chosen to be awarded the scholarship.
In addition to academic performance, students also must meet other criteria such as submitting an application and providing letters of recommendation along with other supporting documents. Once selected, students can use the scholarship to help cover the costs of college tuition.
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How Does National Merit Scholarship Work?
Each year, the NMSC selects the top-scoring students from the PSAT/NMSQT as National Merit Semifinalists. These students are invited to apply for the scholarship by submitting an application that includes an essay, a letter of recommendation, and information about their academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
From this pool of applicants, the NMSC selects Finalists, who are then eligible to receive one of three types of scholarships: National Merit $2500 Scholarship, Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship, or College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship.
The National Merit $2500 Scholarship is awarded to students who have proven their academic excellence and leadership potential. Recipients are identified through a Selection Index that combines the student’s standardized test scores on the Preliminary SAT, or PSAT. The index is then used to rank students based on their academic performance.
National Merit Scholarship Requirements
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States
- Take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in their junior year of high school
- Meet score-based qualifications, set by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
- Be enrolled as a high school student, progressing normally toward graduation or completion of high school by the time they take up the scholarship
- Plan to enroll full-time in college beginning the next academic year
How to Increase Your Chances of Becoming a National Merit Scholar?
To increase your chances of becoming a National Merit Scholar, you should aim to score as high as possible on the PSAT/NMSQT. The PSAT/NMSQT tests students on their skills in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
To prepare for the exam, you can take practice tests and review study materials available online or through your school. You can also participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, or volunteering. These activities can demonstrate your leadership skills and make you a more compelling candidate for the scholarship.
If you are selected as a semifinalist, you will need to submit an application that includes recommendations from teachers and counselors, a personal statement, and a detailed record of your academic achievements.
Also Read: How To Apply For Scholarship In USA
FAQ’s
What qualifies as a National Merit Scholar?
A National Merit Scholar is a student who achieves the highest score on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and is then selected as a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
How is National Merit score calculated?
The National Merit score is based on your performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. The highest possible score is 1520. Your score is a combination of two sections: the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section and the Math section.
What is the difference between National Merit Scholar and finalist?
A National Merit Scholar is a student who scores in the top 1-2% of all test takers and is then chosen as either a semi-finalist or finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Semi-Finalists are eligible for college scholarships ranging from $2,500-$4,000. Finalists are eligible for even larger college scholarships from $2,500 up to full tuition in some cases.
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