National Merit Scholar Requirements?

Hey there, I'm trying to secure a good scholarship to help with tuition and becoming a National Merit Scholar seems to be a great opportunity. What does it require to become one? What kind of PSAT scores, GPA, or recommendations do they look for? Thanks in advance!

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a U.S. academic scholarship competition administered by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). To participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program, a student must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year of their high school program, usually in the junior (11th grade) year.

Regarding PSAT scores, becoming a Semifinalist, which is the first step on the path to becoming a National Merit Scholar, is dependent on achieving a top score on the PSAT. The qualifying score varies by state because it's determined by the top 1% of scores in each state. Generally, you'll want to aim for a score in the top 1% of test-takers in your state.

Beyond your PSAT score, the NMSC also looks at your academic record throughout high school, activities and leadership positions, and an essay you'll write. But in the beginning, it really all comes down to that PSAT score. The NMSC will also take into account your SAT scores to confirm your PSAT performance when advancing from a Semifinalist to a Finalist, but it is the PSAT that initially qualifies you.

As for letters of recommendation, when advancing from Semifinalist to Finalist status, your school's principal is required to write a recommendation. Their recommendation, along with your academic record, activities, leadership positions, employment, and contributions to your community, will be taken into consideration by the NMSC.

It's important to note that being named a Semifinalist, or even a Finalist, doesn't guarantee a scholarship, but it does increase your chances significantly. The NMSC confers three different types of scholarships: $2,500 single-payment scholarships, corporate-sponsored scholarships, and college-sponsored scholarships. As a finalist, you'll have the opportunity to earn one of about 7,500 scholarships.

Lastly, please remember to prepare well for the PSAT in your junior year, as it is the only test that qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship Program.