How does the National Merit Scholarship Program work?

I've heard about the National Merit Scholarship and I'm curious about the process. How exactly does the National Merit Scholarship Program work and what does it take to become a part of the National Merit society? Thanks!

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious competition that recognizes high-achieving high school students, primarily based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). The program awards scholarships and other accolades to successful participants, providing not only financial benefits but also a boost to college applications. Here's a brief overview of the process:

1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT: The first step is taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October of your junior year. This is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. By taking this test, you're automatically considered for the program, provided you meet other eligibility requirements (like being a U.S. citizen, having no high school diploma, etc.).

2. Reach the Minimum Score: To be considered further, you need to achieve a minimum score which varies by state and can change from year to year. This score, called the Selection Index, is calculated by doubling the sum of your Reading, Writing and Language, and Math test scores. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) sets a cutoff score for each state, known as the "Commended Scholar" level. If your score falls above or near that cutoff, you may advance in the competition.

3. Recognition: There are three levels of recognition in the competition: Commended Scholars, Semifinalists, and Finalists. Commended Scholars are students who score above the national Commended Scholar cutoff but below their state's Semifinalist cutoff score. Semifinalists are the top 1% of students in each state, meeting or surpassing the state's Semifinalist cutoff score.

4. Semifinalist Application: Semifinalists need to complete an application which includes their academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, work experience, and an essay. They also need a recommendation from their high school's official representative, typically a high school counselor or principal.

5. Finalist Selection: NMSC reviews Semifinalist applications and selects approximately 15,000 Finalists based on a combination of test scores, academic records, and other achievements. Finalists have an opportunity to be awarded one of the approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholarships.

6. Scholarship Types: There are three types of National Merit Scholarships: National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored merit scholarships, and college-sponsored merit scholarships. In addition to scholarship money, National Merit recognition can lead to other opportunities, such as specialized college scholarships outside of NMSC.

It's important to prepare well for the PSAT/NMSQT and maintain a strong academic record to improve your chances of becoming a National Merit Scholar. Good luck!