How are National Merit Finalists selected?

Hey, can someone provide some insight into the process of how National Merit Finalists are chosen? I know it has something to do with PSAT scores, but what other criteria are taken into consideration? Are there any specific cutoffs or thresholds that I should be aware of?

National Merit Finalists are chosen through a multi-step process based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT exam, which is taken during their junior year of high school. Here's a breakdown of the steps:

1. Commended Students: About 34,000 students with the top PSAT/NMSQT scores nationwide are recognized as Commended Students. While they do not continue in the National Merit Scholarship competition, they receive a Letter of Commendation in recognition of their achievement.

2. Semifinalists: The next step in the process involves selecting approximately 16,000 Semifinalists. Selection is based on each state's own Selection Index, which is the NMSC's term for the cutoff PSAT score. The Selection Index varies from year to year and state to state, so there isn't a fixed national threshold. It's important to keep in mind that the cutoffs are determined separately for each state, so they can vary depending on the competitiveness of a particular state.

3. Finalist stage: Semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application that includes information about their academic record, school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment history, and any awards or honors received. Along with the application, they must submit:

- An endorsement and recommendation from their high school's principal or other school officials

- A record of their high school courses and grades

- Confirmation of their PSAT scores through SAT scores (unless the school is test-blind or the student doesn't submit test scores)

- A personal essay

The NMSC evaluates all these factors in determining the approximately 15,000 Finalists. Essentially, they are looking for well-rounded students with strong academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and community impact.

4. Scholarship winners: From the pool of 15,000 Finalists, around 7,500 students are awarded National Merit Scholarships. There are various types of scholarship awards, including corporate-sponsored, college-sponsored, and National Merit $2,500 awards.

Remember, a strong PSAT score is crucial to advancing in the National Merit Scholarship competition, but other factors like academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and an impressive application will ultimately help determine the Finalists and scholarship winners.