National Merit Scholarship Scores 2024: Apply Now!!!

National Merit Scholarship Scores 2024: Apply Now!!! – The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)—a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.

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The Importance of National Merit Scholarship Scores

The scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students who score within the top percentile of their state’s test-takers are named Semifinalists. These students are then eligible to submit a detailed scholarship application, which includes essays and information about extracurricular achievements, awards, and leadership positions.

Understanding the Selection Process

In September 2023, more than 16,000 Semifinalists were designated on a state-representational basis in numbers proportional to each state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors. These Semifinalists are the highest scorers in each state and represent less than one percent of each state’s high school seniors.

Semifinalists Designation

The 2022 PSAT/NMSQT served as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants to the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. The Selection Index scores of students who met program participation requirements were used to designate a pool of more than 16,000 Semifinalists on a state allocation basis.

Finalist and Scholarship Winner Selection

To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. From the Semifinalist group, some 15,000 students meet the very high academic standards and other requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. By the conclusion of the 2024 competition, about 7,500 Finalists will be selected to receive National Merit Scholarships totaling nearly $30 million.

Key Dates for the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program

April 24, 2024: Announcement of National Merit Scholars.
May 8, 2024: Recipients of National Merit® $2500 Scholarships will be named.
June 5 and July 15, 2024: Winners of college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be announced.

Scholarship Amounts and Sponsors

Corporate sponsors provide National Merit Scholarships for Finalists who are children of their employees, who are residents of communities the company serves, or who plan to pursue college majors or careers the sponsor wishes to encourage. Most of these awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and provide annual stipends that range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year. Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the National Merit Scholarship Program for 2024:

How does a high school student enter the National Merit Scholarship Program?

- High school students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). This test serves as an initial screen for approximately 1.5 million entrants each year.
- Students who meet program participation requirements and score within the top percentile of their state’s test-takers are named Semifinalists.

Do students who take the PSAT/NMSQT as sophomores need to take it again?

Yes, students typically take the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year. Sophomore scores are not used for National Merit consideration.

Can a homeschooled student take the PSAT/NMSQT?

Yes, homeschooled students can take the PSAT/NMSQT at participating schools or testing centers.

What if a student misses the PSAT/NMSQT?

Unfortunately, missing the PSAT/NMSQT means the student won’t be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program that year.

How can students tell whether they have met entry requirements?

Students can check their Selection Index scores, which determine eligibility. These scores are available after taking the PSAT/NMSQT.

How many participants are honored annually in the National Merit Scholarship Program?

About 50,000 academically talented high school students are honored each year, but only around 16,000 are named Semifinalists.

When and how are students notified they are Semifinalists?

Semifinalists are announced in a nationwide news release on September 13, 2023. Colleges and universities are also notified.

How does a Semifinalist become a Finalist?

- Semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application, including essays and information about extracurricular achievements.
- From the Semifinalist pool, about 7,140 students will be chosen as Merit Scholarship winners in the 2024 competition.

When and how are Semifinalists notified if they have advanced to Finalist standing?

Finalists are notified in the spring of 2024.

How does a Semifinalist or Finalist report or change a college choice?

A list of Semifinalists (by high school) is sent to four-year U.S. colleges and universities to enhance educational opportunities.

Conclusion

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a significant opportunity for high school students across the United States. Achieving a high score on the PSAT/NMSQT is the first step towards becoming a National Merit Scholar—a designation that can open doors to numerous educational and career opportunities.