Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

National Merit - what is it?

Hi everyone, I've heard people talking about National Merit in school, but I'm not exactly sure what it is. Could someone please explain what National Merit is and how it plays a role in the college application process?

11 months ago

Hello! National Merit is a program that recognizes high-achieving high school students in the United States based on their performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The main purpose of the program is to award scholarships and provide recognition for outstanding academic achievement.

The competition begins when you take the PSAT during your junior year of high school. Your scores will be used to determine if you qualify for one of the following levels of recognition:

1. Commended Student: Typically awarded to those scoring in the top 3-4% of test-takers nationwide. This recognition doesn't come with any financial award but can boost your college application.

2. Semifinalist: Awarded to students scoring in the top 1% (approximately) of test-takers in their state. Semifinalists are then given the opportunity to submit additional materials, such as an application, essay, and recommendation letters, to potentially advance to the finalist level.

3. Finalist: Semifinalists who meet additional requirements set by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will advance to the finalist standing. They will then be considered for National Merit Scholarships, which provide a one-time award of $2,500 or renewable four-year scholarships sponsored by participating colleges and universities.

4. National Merit Scholars: Based on criteria like academics, extracurriculars, and their submitted materials, a subset of finalists will be selected to receive National Merit Scholarships.

In the college application process, being recognized as a National Merit Commended Student, Semifinalist, or Finalist can be a valuable addition to your application, as it serves as a testament to your strong academic abilities. Additionally, receiving a National Merit Scholarship can help with college costs.

It's important to note that the National Merit program isn't the only avenue for success; colleges also consider factors like your GPA, course rigor, essays, extracurricular activities, and other achievements when assessing your application. While National Merit recognition can bolster your application, it's only one component among many that colleges evaluate.

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.