The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious awards for high school students. Many students and parents have questions about deadlines, eligibility, and scores. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions.
When are National Merit Scholarship Program announced?
National Merit Scholarship winners are announced in stages throughout the spring of a student’s senior year. Finalists are typically notified between February and March, while official scholarship offers are released in April, May, and July
Does a 1400 PSAT qualify for National Merit?
A 1400 PSAT score is excellent, but qualification depends on the Selection Index cutoff in each state, which varies yearly from about 207 to 223. A 1400 may qualify in some states but not in others.
Can international students get National Merit?
International students studying in U.S. high schools can participate if they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students who are not citizens or permanent residents usually do not qualify, unless they intend to become citizens at the earliest opportunity.
What qualifies for National Merit Scholar?
To qualify as a National Merit Scholar, a student must take the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year, score within the top 1% of test takers in their state, meet program requirements such as U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and advance through the stages from Commended Student to Finalist.
How hard is it to get National Merit?
Earning National Merit recognition is highly competitive. Of 1.5 million test takers, about 50,000 are recognized, and around 7,500 win scholarships. Students need near-perfect PSAT scores, consistent academic excellence, strong recommendations, and extracurricular achievements.