National Merit Scholar vs. Finalist

Hey guys, I'm a little bit confused on the differences between National Merit Scholar and Finalist. Can someone explain the difference and what opportunities might be available for each?

Hello! I understand that it can be confusing, so let me help clarify the differences between a National Merit Scholar and a Finalist.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition that recognizes students based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores. Here's a rundown of the distinctions within the program:

1. Commended Students: Approximately 50,000 students are recognized as Commended Students, which means they are in the top 3-4% of test takers.

2. Semifinalists: About 16,000 students qualify as Semifinalists—roughly 1% of high school juniors—representing the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

3. Finalists: From the Semifinalist pool, about 15,000 students advance to become Finalists. This step requires submitting additional materials, such as an application with an essay, a high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores, and a letter of recommendation. Semifinalists who meet all requirements become Finalists.

4. National Merit Scholars: Finally, approximately 7,500 Finalists are selected as National Merit Scholars and receive scholarships.

The main difference between a National Merit Scholar and a Finalist is that a Scholar receives a scholarship while a Finalist does not. However, both achievements are prestigious and can lead to various opportunities.

For National Merit Finalists, many colleges will offer substantial merit-based scholarships, which can cover partial to full tuition. These scholarships are typically renewable each year, as long as certain criteria are maintained (such as GPA). Moreover, being a Finalist could enhance your college application, as it demonstrates strong academic ability.

For National Merit Scholars, in addition to the $2500 scholarship provided by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, many colleges may offer even more generous merit-based scholarships. Also, Scholars might have increased access to on-campus resources, honors programs, and special networking events, further enhancing their educational experience.

As you can see, both Finalists and Scholars are given noteworthy opportunities. The main difference is the level of recognition and the potential for additional perks and resources tied to being a National Merit Scholar. Regardless of which category you fall into, either distinction will benefit your college application and future educational endeavors.