What are the criteria to become a National Merit Finalist?

Hey! I'm currently in my junior year and I've been hearing a lot about the National Merit competition. What are the main criteria to become a finalist? I'm curious to know the requirements so I can work towards that goal.

Hello! Great to see that you're interested in the National Merit competition. Becoming a National Merit Finalist is a prestigious achievement, so it's an excellent goal to work towards. Here's a breakdown of the process and criteria you'll need to meet:

1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT: The first step is taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) during your junior year of high school. This test serves as the initial screen for the National Merit Program.

2. Meet the minimum index score: After taking the PSAT/NMSQT, you'll receive a Selection Index score. You must meet the minimum score stipulated by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) for your state to qualify as a Semifinalist. State cutoffs vary from year to year, but you typically need to score in the top 1% of students in your state to qualify.

3. Be recognized as a Semifinalist: Out of the 1.5 million approximately test-takers, around 50,000 high-scorers receive recognition as either Commended Students or Semifinalists. Roughly 16,000 will be named Semifinalists - this selection is based on the Selection Index score and is state-specific.

4. Complete a National Merit Scholarship Application: Once you've been selected as a Semifinalist, you'll need to submit a National Merit Scholarship Application. This includes your official SAT or ACT scores, a high school transcript, an endorsement from your school's official, and a personal essay.

5. Maintain a strong academic record: The NMSC uses your high school transcript to assess your academic performance throughout your high school career. To be considered as a Finalist, you need to maintain excellent grades and continue taking a challenging course load.

6. Demonstrate sustained involvement in extracurricular activities: NMSC looks for well-rounded students with achievements in various areas - not only academics. Highlight your extracurricular involvement and any leadership roles you have taken on.

7. Fulfill citizenship requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship to be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

If you meet all these criteria and successfully complete the application process, you'll be considered for the Finalist round. From the initial Semifinalist pool, about 15,000 students advance as Finalists. This achievement not only brings recognition but also opens the door to potential scholarship opportunities. Good luck!