So, I've heard a lot about the National Merit Scholarships, and it seems like a great opportunity. Could someone explain the selection process and what I need to do to be in contention? Thanks!
Absolutely, the National Merit Scholarship Program is indeed a great opportunity for high school students. The process starts when you take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year of high school. This test serves both as a practice SAT and as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship.
Once all the tests have been scored, a Selection Index score is calculated for each student, based off your scores on the two sections of the PSAT: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math.
Approximately 50,000 students with the highest Selection Index scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program. These students are designated on a state-representational basis and are the only participants in the National Merit Program who have an opportunity to earn a National Merit Scholarship.
Out of the 50,000 highest scorers, about 34,000 students receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise but will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships.
Around 16,000 high performers, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, are named National Merit Semifinalists. These students are the highest scoring entrants in each state.
National Merit Semifinalists will then need to complete the National Merit Scholarship Application, which includes an essay and information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions. Semifinalists also need to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a school official, and earn SAT scores that confirm their qualifying test performance.
From these, about 15,000 students, or 94 percent of the Semifinalists, are expected to attain the Finalist level, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
There are three types of National Merit Scholarships: the National Merit $2500 Scholarships, Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards, and College-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards.
I hope this covers your question, but please don't hesitate to ask if you have any more details you'd like me to delve into!
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