I was in the running for the National Merit Scholarship, which is a pretty big deal for me, and I'd like to find out ahead of time when they usually announce finalists. Anyone here who's been through the process before and could help me?
I can certainly help you with that. Typically, the announcement for National Merit Finalists is made in early February. Students who've entered the competition via the PSAT/NMSQT and meet the other participation requirements will be notified through their high school if they've advanced to Finalist standing.
Keep in mind the timeline is as follows:- Semifinalists are announced in early September of the year following the exam.
- Semifinalists then have about a month to complete an application to become a Finalist. This includes an essay and information about extracurricular involvements.
- In early February, those who have advanced to Finalist status are notified.
It's worth mentioning that being a National Merit Finalist is an outstanding achievement, and many colleges offer significant scholarships to Finalists who enroll. Make sure to consult with the financial aid offices at the schools where you're applying to learn more about potential scholarship opportunities. Wishing you all the best of luck in the process!
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