How does a student qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program?
To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a student must follow a specific set of steps and meet several eligibility criteria—centered around their PSAT/NMSQT score in 11th grade. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th Grade
- A student must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in the fall of their junior year (11th grade).
- The PSAT 10 or PSAT 8/9 do not count for scholarship consideration.
Only the 11th-grade PSAT/NMSQT can be used to enter the National Merit Scholarship competition.
2. Be a U.S. Student (or Equivalent)
To be eligible, a student must:
- Be enrolled full-time in high school (traditional or homeschooled)
- Plan to enter college no later than the fall after high school graduation
- Be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. lawful permanent resident intending to become a citizen
3. Earn a High PSAT/NMSQT Score
Qualification depends on a student’s Selection Index, which is based on their PSAT/NMSQT score.
What is the Selection Index?
The Selection Index is calculated by adding the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Test Scores (each on a scale of 8–38), then multiplying the total by 2.
Example:
- Reading: 30
- Writing: 32
- Math: 33
- Total = 30 + 32 + 33 = 95
- Selection Index = 95 × 2 = 190
4. Meet the State Cutoff Score
The National Merit Corporation sets a different Selection Index cutoff for each U.S. state and territory. These cutoffs vary year to year and are typically between 207 and 222.
- Students with scores at or above their state’s cutoff become Semifinalists.
- Only about 1% of U.S. high school juniors earn this distinction.
5. Advance to Finalist Standing
To move from Semifinalist to Finalist, students must:
- Complete a detailed scholarship application
- Maintain a strong academic record (GPA matters)
- Take the SAT (or sometimes ACT) and earn a score that confirms PSAT/NMSQT performance
- Submit a recommendation letter, often from a school counselor or teacher
- Write a personal essay
Most Semifinalists do become Finalists—if they meet all the criteria and complete their application on time.
6. Compete for Scholarships
From the pool of Finalists, about 7,250 students receive National Merit Scholarships. These fall into three categories:
a) National Merit $2,500 Scholarships
- Awarded directly by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, One-time award given on the basis of academic achievement
b) Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships
- Given to children of employees or based on student career interests or locations, May be one-time or renewable
c) College-Sponsored Scholarships
- Participating colleges offer scholarships to students who select them as their first choice, Often renewable for up to four years
Timeline Overview
| Step | When It Happens |
|---|---|
| Take PSAT/NMSQT | October of 11th grade |
| Semifinalists announced | September of 12th grade |
| Finalist application deadline | Fall/Winter of 12th grade |
| Finalists announced | February |
| Scholarship winners notified | March through June |