Scholarship

National Merit Scholarship Program

Semifinalist pathway to $2,500 awards and college-sponsored scholarships.

DetailInformation
Award$2,500 plus corporate and college awards
ProviderNational Merit Scholarship Corporation
Typical deadlinePSAT/NMSQT in October of grade 11
Eligible grade levelsgrade 11
Categorymerit-based

Who qualifies

Juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT and score in the top fraction nationally.

How to apply

  1. Open the official National Merit Scholarship Corporation application page and confirm this cycle's deadline and award amount — both change yearly.
  2. Collect what almost every application asks for: transcript, a counselor or teacher recommendation, and your FAFSA or household income details if the award is need-based.
  3. Draft the essay well ahead of the deadline and have one adult read it.
  4. Submit several days early. Portals get overloaded on deadline day.

Official application page →

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Frequently asked questions

How much is the National Merit Scholarship Program worth?

The National Merit Scholarship Program awards $2,500 plus corporate and college awards. Amounts are set by National Merit Scholarship Corporation and change from cycle to cycle, so confirm the current figure on the provider's official page before applying.

When is the National Merit Scholarship Program deadline?

The typical deadline is PSAT/NMSQT in October of grade 11. Deadlines move every year; set your own reminder at least three weeks earlier so you have time for essays and recommendation letters.

Who is eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program?

Juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT and score in the top fraction nationally.

Amounts, deadlines and eligibility are typical values that change every cycle. Always verify on the provider’s official page before applying.

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