The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for high school students in the United States. It is a prestigious award that recognizes and rewards academic excellence. The program is open to all high school students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of their financial need. Students can apply for the National Merit Scholarship by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Those who score in the top percentile on the PSAT/NMSQT will be eligible to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students can then submit an application to the program, which includes their academic record, extracurricular activities, and a personal essay.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a highly competitive program. Only about 15,000 students are awarded scholarships each year. However, the benefits of being a National Merit Scholar are significant. National Merit Scholars receive a $2,500 scholarship, and they are also eligible for other scholarship opportunities. In addition, National Merit Scholars are recognized for their academic achievements, which can help them in college and beyond.
