What is the National Merit Scholarship Program?

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition in the United States that awards recognition and scholarships to high-achieving students. Managed by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), a non-profit organization based in Evanston, Illinois, this program has been supporting educational excellence since its inception in 1955.

How the Program Works

Every year, the NMSC holds a nationwide competition, open to high school students who meet the entry criteria. These requirements often include taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and meeting certain academic benchmarks. Students who excel in the competition can earn the title of National Merit Scholar, which can significantly boost their college opportunities and scholarship potential.

The National Achievement Scholarship Program

The NMSC once also managed the National Achievement Scholarship Program, which aimed to support high-achieving African-American students. Although this program ended in 2015, its legacy highlights the NMSC’s commitment to fostering diversity and academic excellence.

Benefits of the National Merit Scholarship

Achieving National Merit recognition can open doors to numerous advantages:

• University scholarships: Many universities offer exclusive scholarships to students recognized by the NMSC.
• Academic recognition: Being named a National Merit Scholar distinguishes students in college applications and resumes.
• Financial assistance: The program offers a pathway for students to reduce college costs through various merit-based awards.

Steps to Compete for the National Merit Scholarship

1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT: This test is typically taken in the junior year of high school and serves as the initial screening tool.
2. Achieve a high score: The PSAT/NMSQT score determines eligibility for the National Merit competition.
3. Meet other criteria: Students must fulfill academic and residency requirements set by the NMSC.
4. Advance to finalist status: High scorers may become semifinalists and must submit an application, including an essay and recommendation, to be considered for finalist status.

Scholarship Awards and Recognition

Finalists may receive:

• National Merit Scholarships directly from the NMSC.
• Corporate-sponsored scholarships, which are funded by businesses to support students meeting specific criteria (e.g., children of employees).
• College-sponsored scholarships offered by universities to students who choose to attend their institution.

Tips for Success in the National Merit Program

• Start early preparation: Focus on preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT by practicing past tests and studying key academic areas.
• Maintain strong academic performance: Consistently high grades can support an application for finalist consideration.
• Engage in extracurricular activities: Demonstrating leadership and involvement in school or community activities can add strength to a finalist application.

Why the National Merit Scholarship Matters

The National Merit Scholarship represents more than just financial support—it recognizes a student’s dedication to academic achievement. The title of National Merit Scholar is respected and valued across the United States, providing students with a competitive edge in college admissions and future endeavors.

Path to Recognition  Semifinalists and Finalists

Each year, approximately 1.6 million students from over 22,000 high schools participate by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This test evaluates students’ critical reading, mathematics problem-solving, and writing skills. From these entrants, Semifinalists are selected based on their Selection Index scores, which vary by state and year. These Semifinalists represent the top 0.5% of high school seniors in each state and must complete additional requirements, such as submitting an application with academic records and recommendations, to advance to Finalist status.

Commended Students and Their Recognition

Students whose PSAT/NMSQT scores are high but do not qualify for Semifinalist status are named Commended Students. While they do not advance in the competition, they are acknowledged for their strong academic performance.

The Importance of the PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program, enabling students to enter this prestigious competition. This test is crucial for identifying students with exceptional abilities in reading, math, and writing.

Selection Criteria and State Representation

Semifinalists are chosen based on state representation, reflecting each state’s proportion of high school seniors. This ensures a fair distribution of recognition across the country. Advancing to the Finalist level requires meeting additional academic criteria, submitting an application, and demonstrating a record of high performance.

Benefits of Being a National Merit Scholar

Achieving National Merit Scholar status brings many advantages, such as:

• Scholarship opportunities: Finalists can receive scholarships funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), corporate sponsors, and universities.
• College recognition: The distinction of being a National Merit Scholar is highly valued and can enhance college applications.
• Financial aid: Scholarship awards provide financial support for higher education.

Steps to Qualify for the National Merit Scholarship

To be eligible for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists must meet several key criteria to progress to Finalist status. This process involves submitting a comprehensive scholarship application that includes essays, details of extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership roles.

Requirements for Advancing to Finalist Status

• Scholarship Application: Semifinalists submit an application detailing academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.
• Academic Excellence: Candidates need to maintain a strong academic record throughout high school.
• School Official Endorsement: A recommendation from a school official is mandatory.
• Confirming SAT Scores: Students must achieve SAT scores that validate their PSAT/NMSQT performance.

Selection of Finalists

Each year, a specific number of Semifinalists advance to Finalist standing based on their qualifications. This group represents the highest level of achievement and commitment.

Scholarship Awards and Recognition

Out of the pool of Finalists, a select number are awarded $2,500 National Merit Scholarships. These recipients represent less than 1% of the original group of students who entered the competition, showcasing exceptional academic and extracurricular prowess.

Entry Requirements for the National Merit Scholarship

To participate in the National Merit Scholarship competition, students need to meet certain eligibility criteria:

1. Full-Time Enrollment: The student must be enrolled full-time in high school, progressing as expected toward graduation, and planning to start full-time college studies in the fall after finishing high school.
2. U.S. Citizenship or Residency: Participants should be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents aiming for citizenship, or have an application for permanent residency with intentions of becoming a U.S. citizen as soon as allowed by law.
3. PSAT/NMSQT Participation: Students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during the designated year, usually in the junior year (11th grade). Students who complete high school in three years or less should take the test in their last or next-to-last year.

Special Considerations for Missed Tests

In cases of severe illness or natural disasters preventing a student from taking the PSAT/NMSQT, the NMSC may allow the substitution of SAT scores. Students must coordinate with the NMSC before March 1 of the missed test year to use this option.

Overview of National Merit Scholarship Awards

Out of the 15,000 Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition, about 8,000 receive Merit Scholarship awards. These scholarships are divided into various categories, providing opportunities for students across the United States.

National Merit $2,500 Scholarships

Approximately 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships are awarded each year to Finalists who demonstrate the strongest combination of achievements, skills, and potential for college success. The number of winners in each state is proportional to its share of the nation’s graduating high school seniors. Selection for this award involves a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors who review academic records, standardized test scores, leadership activities, essays, and school recommendations.

Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarships

About 1,100 Merit Scholarships are funded by corporate sponsors. These awards often go to Finalists who meet specific criteria, such as being children of the sponsor’s employees, residing in a particular geographic area, or pursuing career paths supported by the sponsor. These scholarships can be used at any regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.

College-Sponsored Merit Scholarships

Approximately 4,600 college-sponsored Merit Scholarships are provided for Finalists who choose to attend the sponsoring college. Finalists report their first-choice college to the NMSC, which considers this information when allocating these awards.

Special Scholarships

In addition to the main scholarships, around 1,500 students who do not reach Finalist status receive Special Scholarships funded by corporate sponsors. These awards are offered to students who meet criteria defined by the sponsoring organizations.

scholarship Requirements for National Merit Scholars

To receive the National Merit Scholarship, winners must meet specific conditions:

1. College Enrollment Notification: Scholars must inform the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) of their intention to enroll at an accredited U.S. college or university.
2. Full-Time Study Plan: Winners must plan to attend college full-time, pursuing an undergraduate degree leading to a traditional bachelor’s degree.

Restrictions on Scholarship Payments

NMSC scholarship funds are not available for:

• Attendance at U.S. service academies.
• Distance learning programs.
• Institutions with limited purposes or specialized training.

Recognition without Monetary Awards

Some National Merit Scholars may not receive financial awards due to specific educational plans or other scholarships they receive. These students are recognized as Honorary Merit Scholars, an acknowledgment that highlights their achievements without a financial stipend.

National Achievement Scholarship Program Overview

The National Achievement Scholarship Program was launched in 1964 to encourage and support Black American students in pursuing higher education. This initiative coincided with the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Program Impact and Recognition

Over its 50-year history, the program saw participation from over four million African-American students. Approximately 228,000 participants were recognized, and more than 34,000 were awarded Achievement Scholarships.

Participation and Eligibility

Before 2016, Black students who met the entry criteria could choose to be considered for both the National Achievement Scholarship Program and the National Merit Scholarship when taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Although both programs were conducted simultaneously, eligibility and recognition were determined separately. Students could qualify for and be recognized in both programs, but only one monetary award could be received. If a student earned recognition in both, they were awarded the more beneficial scholarship and were honored as an Honorary Scholar in the other.

Transition to the Achievement Capstone Program

In 2015, the National Achievement Scholarship Program concluded, transitioning its resources to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The UNCF now uses these funds to support high-achieving, underrepresented college graduates through the Achievement Capstone Program.

Current Opportunities for Black Students

While high school students are no longer able to compete for Achievement Scholarships, they can still participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Additionally, eligible students may seek financial assistance through the UNCF after college graduation.

The National Merit Scholarship and National Achievement Scholarship programs have recognized and supported many individuals who later became influential figures in various fields. Here are some notable scholars who have made significant contributions:

• Elvin Bishop (1960) – Renowned musician.
• Joseph Stiglitz (1960) – Nobel Prize-winning economist.
• Randy Hendricks (1963) – Prominent sports agent.
• Amory Lovins (1964) – Energy policy expert.
• Robert Reich (1964) – Former U.S. Secretary of Labor and professor.
• Thomas Cech (1966) – Nobel Prize-winning chemist.
• Alexa Canady (1967) – First African-American woman neurosurgeon.
• Mitch Daniels (1967) – Former Governor of Indiana and university president.
• Michael Walsh (1967) – Acclaimed author and journalist.
• Roger Tsien (1968) – Nobel Prize-winning chemist known for his work on green fluorescent protein.
• Jerry Greenfield (1969) – Co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s.
• Paul Krugman (1970) – Nobel Prize-winning economist and columnist.
• Ben Bernanke (1971) – Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve.
• Evelynn M. Hammonds (1971) – Historian of science and professor.
• Jeffrey Sachs (1972) – Economist and public policy analyst.
• Bill Gates (1973) – Co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist.
• Jim Cramer (1973) – Financial commentator and host.
• John Roberts (1973) – Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Mae Jemison (1973) – First African-American woman astronaut.
• Steve Ballmer (1973) – Former CEO of Microsoft and NBA team owner.
• Elena Kagan (1977) – U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
• Lisa P. Jackson (1979) – Former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
• B. Alvin Drew (1980) – NASA astronaut.
• Lisa Randall (1980) – Theoretical physicist.
• Jeff Bezos (1982) – Founder of Amazon and space entrepreneur.
• Andrew Gelman (1982) – Statistician and professor.
• Susan Rice (1982) – Former U.S. National Security Advisor.
• Spencer Wells (1984) – Geneticist and anthropologist.
• Peter Thiel (1985) – Co-founder of PayPal and venture capitalist.
• Chubb Rock (1985) – Rapper and musician.
• Jeri Ryan (1986) – Actress known for her role in Star Trek: Voyager.
• Lauren Lake (1986) – Television judge and lawyer.
• Linda Rottenberg (1986) – Co-founder of Endeavor, a global nonprofit.
• Elliott Smith (1987) – Singer-songwriter.
• Ted Cruz (1988) – U.S. Senator from Texas.
• M. Night Shyamalan (1988) – Film director and screenwriter.
• Howard Steven Friedman (1989) – Statistician and health economist.
• Michael McCullers (1989) – Screenwriter and director.
• Josh Singer (1990) – Screenwriter and producer.
• Asia Carrera (1991) – Former adult film actress and advocate.
• Melissa Harris-Perry (1991) – Author, professor, and political commentator.
• Brooke Magnanti (1992) – Author and scientist.
• Stephenie Meyer (1992) – Author of the Twilight series.
• Felicia Day (1995) – Actress, writer, and web series creator.
• Slater Rhea (2005) – Musician and TV host.

College Enrollment and the National Merit Scholarship

Many universities offer additional merit-based scholarships for students recognized as National Merit Scholars, Finalists, or Semifinalists. This practice can serve as an incentive for high-achieving students to enroll, contributing to competition among institutions to attract these distinguished scholars.

Annual Reports and University Participation

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) publishes annual reports showing the number of National Merit award recipients enrolled at various universities. These reports can impact college recruitment strategies and highlight institutions’ commitment to academic excellence. High schools may also share their students’ successes in the National Merit Program to enhance their reputation and demonstrate the quality of their education.

Top Universities for National Merit Scholars

According to the 2018-19 Annual Report by the NMSC, several universities enrolled more than 100 National Merit Scholars in their 2019 incoming class. This data underscores the emphasis placed by these institutions on attracting students who have excelled in the National Merit Scholarship Program, further reflecting their dedication to fostering an environment of academic excellence.

Several universities attract a significant number of National Merit Scholars, with some offering college-sponsored scholarships to support these high-achieving students. Below is a chart that ranks the top universities based on the total number of National Merit Scholars enrolled for the 2019 entering class, according to the 2018-19 Annual Report by the National Merit Scholarship

apply this National Merit Scholarship .