I came across the term 'National Honor Scholar' recently, and I'm a bit confused about what it means. Can someone clarify its significance and how it differs from a National Merit Scholar? Thanks!
National Honor Scholar is not a widely recognized or standardized term in the realm of college admissions. However, it's possible that the term is being used to refer to a student who has achieved a high level of academic excellence and is a member of an honor society, such as the National Honor Society (NHS). The NHS is an organization in the United States that recognizes high school students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
On the other hand, a National Merit Scholar is a title given to high school students who have performed exceptionally well on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). These students progress through various stages of recognition, starting from earning a high-enough score to be designated as a "commended student" or a "semifinalist," with some eventually becoming finalists and then National Merit Scholars based on certain criteria and accomplishments.
In short, both terms relate to recognizing academic achievements, but their significance, process of recognition, and implications can differ.
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