The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.
Scholarship Details
- Annual nationwide academic competition run by NMSC
- More than 1.3 million entrants each year
- Recognition includes Commended Student, Semifinalist, and Finalist designations
- Scholarships can be corporate-sponsored, college-sponsored, or NMSC-funded
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a U.S. high school student entering through the PSAT/NMSQT®
- Must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the correct year of high school (October for entry into the program)
- Must meet published program entry and participation requirements by NMSC®
- Most entrants will complete high school and enroll in college two years after entering the program
Application Process
- Register for and take the PSAT/NMSQT in October
- Ensure you meet the eligibility and program entry requirements
- Receive your Selection Index score, which determines eligibility for recognition levels
- High scorers will be notified of Commended Student or Semifinalist status
- Semifinalists must complete an additional application to advance to Finalist standing
- Finalists are considered for one of 6,930 scholarships awarded by NMSC, corporations, or colleges
The National Merit Scholarship Program provides high-achieving students with recognition and financial support as they begin their undergraduate education. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October, students can compete for opportunities in the program cycle two years later.
