What SAT scores do most National Merit Scholar winners have?

Hi! I'm aiming for the National Merit Scholar program and was wondering what kind of SAT scores most winners have. I understand it's competitive, but I'd like to get a sense of the typical scores for those who end up winning the scholarship. Thanks a lot!

Hi there! It's important to note that the National Merit Scholar program is primarily based on your performance on the PSAT/NMSQT rather than the SAT. To become a National Merit Semifinalist, you will need to score quite high on the PSAT/NMSQT, typically around the top 1% in your state. The qualifying scores vary by state and may change year-to-year.

Once you've become a National Merit Semifinalist, you'll need to submit your SAT scores as part of the application to become a finalist. While there isn't a strict cutoff for the SAT score, most National Merit Scholar winners will have high scores, generally in the top few percent of test-takers nationwide. This usually translates to scores well above 1400, with many having scores in the 1500s.

However, keep in mind that the scholarship selection process also considers other factors such as your academic record, extracurricular activities, recommendation letters, and a personal essay. So while having a high SAT score is crucial, it's also important to focus on these other components to strengthen your overall application. Good luck on your pursuit of the National Merit Scholarship!