Hello there, I'm working towards becoming a National Merit Scholar finalist. Can anyone who's achieved this share their journey? Tips are welcome!
Hello, congratulations on setting such a high goal for yourself! The journey to becoming a National Merit Scholar finalist is both rewarding and challenging.
The first step is taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in your junior year. This score is the only qualifying step to becoming a semifinalist. The exact score you need to become a semifinalist varies by state due to the National Merit Corporation's use of a state-by-state system. Higher scores in more competitive states will have a better chance of reaching semifinalist status.
If you qualify as a semifinalist, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will ask for additional information. You'll need to submit an application, which includes your high school transcript, a record of your extracurricular activities, a personal essay, and a recommendation from a school official.
Score high in your SAT. Although the PSAT determines who qualifies as a semifinalist, the SAT or ACT scores are also considered once you're a semifinalist. Try to achieve a score that's consistent with your PSAT performance. As of 2024-2025, the structures of these tests have been updated, so I suggest investigating those changes.
High academic performance throughout high school is also necessary. The NMSC looks at your transcript to ensure consistent high achievement. Grades are important in all your subjects, not just English and Math.
Being heavily involved in extracurricular activities can strengthen your application. National Merit looks for whole learners, so leadership experiences, community engagement, and other extra activities can make a difference.
Writing a strong essay is also crucial. This is your opportunity to stand out from other semifinalists and demonstrate what makes you unique. Be authentic and personal in your approach.
Remember, the process is highly competitive, and even if a student's scores do not reach finalist status, they should remember that it is not an overall representation of their worth or potential success in college and beyond. Good luck on your journey!
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