How to Become a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist?

Hey guys! I'm wondering how's the selection for National Merit Scholar Semifinalists? Like what's the process and what does it take to get there? Any advice or info would be great.

The selection process for becoming a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist starts with taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in your junior year of high school. This is the screening test for National Merit Scholarship awards.

Scoring high on the PSAT/NMSQT is key to becoming a Semifinalist. Your scores are used to determine if you qualify. The exact scores that qualify for Semifinalist recognition can vary by state and year due to the National Merit Corporation's use of a sliding scale, but generally, you'll need to score in the top 1% of all testers in your state.

But scoring high on the PSAT/NMSQT alone is not enough, you'll also need to meet a few more criteria such as:

- Being a full-time high school student who is planning to enroll in college

- Being a citizen of the United States (or a lawful permanent resident intending to become a U.S. citizen)

- Being enrolled in the last year of high school (unless illness or other extenuating circumstances necessitate early graduation)

In September following your junior year, if you qualify as a Semifinalist, you'll be notified through your school. Then, to proceed to become a Finalist and be eligible for scholarships, there are some additional steps, like submitting an application that includes an essay, as well as a record of very high academic performance, and you must also take the SAT and receive a score that confirms your PSAT/NMSQT performance.

As for preparing and enhancing your chances, rigorous academic preparation and a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math are essential because the test covers these areas. Regular practice tests and familiarizing yourself with the test format can also be beneficial. A balanced approach to test preparation—consistent study over time—usually yields the best results, rather than last-minute cramming. Good luck!