Stressing a bit. I'm hoping to become a National Merit Scholar, but don’t really know what kind of competition I'm up against. Does anyone know where I could find a list of prior years' National Merit Scholars?
While it's understandable you're curious about who you're competing with in the National Merit Scholarship Program, there isn't a publicly available list of past National Merit Scholars. Privacy concerns typically prevent organizations like the National Merit Scholarship Corporation from publishing full lists of winners.
However, you may still glean some insight into past winners and what it takes to be selected. Winning candidates typically have very high scores in the PSAT/NMSQT—within the top 1% of all test-takers in their state. Your PSAT/NMSQT score is the main determining factor for qualification as a National Merit Semifinalist.
The exact score needed can vary each year and also differs from state to state. Generally, you should aim for a score above 1400 to be competitive, with a focus on meeting or exceeding the selection index score in your particular state. Then, to advance from Semifinalist to Finalist status, you must have a strong academic record, write an essay, receive a recommendation from your school, and score well on the SAT.
Lastly, remember that despite the intense competition, every student's chances depend on individual preparation and performance. Stay focused, study hard, and do your best—that's the most effective strategy!
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