Definition of a Finalist for a National Merit Scholarship
Every year, juniors in high schools around the country who satisfy the criteria set by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation are awarded one of the tens of thousands of scholarships available. These scholarships have a rigorous application process that students must go through to be considered. They must give specifics about their lives, including their education, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, jobs, and awards. The application process also includes submitting an essay and standardized test scores.
More than one National Merit Scholarship may be awarded to deserving applicants. In addition, limited scholarships may be available depending on the institution. For example, while some institutions provide full-ride scholarships to all National Merit semifinalists, others give out these grants on a competitive, first-come, first-served basis. These awards often cover both school expenses and living expenses. But some institutions provide additional benefits, such as technology grants or free textbooks. In addition, some schools provide guaranteed entry into a particular program, such as an Honors track or a residence hall.
Students must commit to attending a high school for a full five years before applying for this grant. PSAT/NMSQT testing is mandatory throughout their junior or senior year of high school. Every four years, in the spring, there is an awards ceremony. To be eligible for a scholarship, high school juniors who plan to enroll in college the following year must repeat the exam.
The NMSC will let their school and local community know if a student is a finalist. A panel of college representatives and guidance counselors chooses the recipients of these scholarships. The academic achievements of the candidates, the results of two standardized examinations, and the essays written by the candidates are all considered when selecting the finalists. These awards can be renewed for up to four years at an accredited institution.
A student's Selection Index score is determined by multiplying their scores on the Reading, Writing, Language, and Math Tests by two. The minimum score required to qualify may change from year to year, although most students who try will succeed. The student also needs the recommendation of their high school administration and strong academic performance in years nine through twelve.
Scholarship recipients have access to some of the best educational opportunities in the United States. Not only do many students get full-ride scholarships, but they also get Certificates of Merit for their efforts. A praise letter from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation is not, however, sufficient. Obtaining this credential will make a wide variety of different funding opportunities available.
Students must submit applications to U.S. colleges and universities recognized as elite to be considered for National Merit Scholarship Finalist status. They also need to finish a course of study linked to their undergraduate degree. However, children attending a U.S. service academy, an online school, or a school with a narrow focus are ineligible for NMSC funding.
Each year, 50,000 students are chosen by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. A student's Reading, Writing, and Math Test results are multiplied by two to provide a selection index score. After narrowing it down to a shortlist, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation notifies four-year colleges and universities across the United States of their potential finalists.
A National Merit Scholarship Finalist receives a $2,500 scholarship that can be used toward higher education expenses. Scholarships from corporations and universities are both options for National Merit Scholars. However, the one-time reward must be used towards further learning.
As a result, each state's PSAT eligibility standards are different. Every state has its qualifying score for Semifinalists, and students must do better than that to advance. A California resident student, for instance, would require a Selection Index score of 223 to be considered. A student in West Virginia would require a score of 212 on the selection index to be accepted.