Becoming a National Merit Finalist?

Hey everyone, I've heard a lot about National Merit Scholarships, and I'm curious about how to become a finalist. What are the requirements, and do you have any tips for succeeding in the competition?

To become a National Merit Finalist, you need to go through a few stages of the competition, starting with taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in your junior year of high school. Here's a breakdown of the process and requirements:

1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT: To participate in the competition, you must take the PSAT/NMSQT during your junior year. This standardized test measures critical reading, math, and writing skills.

2. Score high enough: After taking the test, you'll need to score within the top 1% of all test-takers in your state to become a Semifinalist. The exact score required varies by state and may change each year. Semifinalists usually represent the highest-scoring entrants from each state.

3. Complete the National Merit Scholarship application: Once you are recognized as a Semifinalist, you'll need to complete the National Merit Scholarship Application, which includes details about your academic record, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, work experience, and an essay.

4. Obtain a letter of recommendation: A school official, such as a counselor or a teacher, must write a recommendation letter for you as part of your application.

5. Keep up your academics: To become a Finalist, you'll need to maintain a high academic performance. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) requires your high school to confirm your consistent performance and send your transcript as proof.

6. Take the SAT or ACT: Finalists must also take a standardized test and receive scores that confirm your PSAT/NMSQT performance. You should take the SAT or ACT no later than December of your senior year.

After completing these steps, you'll have a chance to become one of the approximately 15,000 out of 50,000 high scorers who become National Merit Finalists. Around 7,500 of these Finalists then receive National Merit Scholarships worth $2,500, corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships, or college-sponsored Merit Scholarships.

To succeed in the competition, focus on excelling academically, preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT, and participating in meaningful extracurricular activities that showcase your leadership abilities. In addition, remember to maintain strong relationships with your school officials, as you'll need a strong recommendation letter for your application. Good luck!