The National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) is an academic competition for high school students in the United States. Each year, approximately 16,000 students are named National Merit Semifinalists. These students are selected based on their performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). To advance to Finalist standing, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements, including a detailed scholarship application, an essay, and letters of recommendation. Approximately 15,000 of the 16,000 Semifinalists will advance to Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will receive a National Merit Scholarship.
The NMSP is a prestigious academic competition, and being named a National Merit Semifinalist is a significant achievement. Semifinalists are recognized for their outstanding academic performance, and they often go on to attend the nation’s top colleges and universities. The NMSP also provides scholarship opportunities to its participants, and National Merit Scholarships are highly valued by colleges and universities.
