The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition in the United States that recognizes and rewards outstanding high school students for their exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.
There are three types of National Merit Scholarship programs: National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships, and College-Sponsored Scholarships.
To qualify for National Merit Scholarship, you must take the PSAT/NMSQT, be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, attend a U.S. high school, plan to enroll full-time in college, & achieve a high score on the PSAT/NMSQT.
National Merit Scholarship provides varying amounts of financial aid, ranging from a one-time $2,500 award to multi-year scholarships offered by specific colleges and corporations, with some covering additional benefits.
National Merit Scholarship follows a timeline that includes taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October of junior year, semifinalists announced in September of senior year, finalists notified in February & scholarships awarded in April.