How do you know if you're a National Merit finalist?

Finalists are notified in early February by mail at their home addresses. A student may also access their Finalist letter through their Online Scholarship Application account. See Information about the National Merit Scholarship Competition for additional details.

How do you know if you are a National Merit finalist?

HOW WILL SEMIFINALISTS KNOW IF THEY BECOME FINALISTS? On February 5, 2024, NMSC will mail a Certificate of Merit for each Finalist to the Finalist's high school principal. On February 12, 2024, NMSC will mail a letter to each Finalist at their home address.

Who becomes a National Merit finalist?

In order to become a Finalist, you must then: complete the National Merit Scholarship Application, which includes writing an essay. have a record of very high academic performance in all of grades 9 through 12 and in any college course work taken.

What is the difference between a National Merit semifinalist and finalist?

To compete for National Merit Scholarships, Semifinalists must advance to the Finalist level of the competition by fulfilling several additional requirements. A Semifinalist can become a Finalist and compete for a Merit Scholarship award in only one program year.

How do I know if I was a National Merit Semifinalist?

Semifinalists are notified through their schools in early September. Semifinalists who are homeschooled are notified at their home addresses.

How YOU Can Be a NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST! Learn More About What It Takes!

Is National Merit finalist a big deal?

Recognition: Being a National Merit Finalist is a significant achievement and can be included on college applications, resumes, and other professional documents. Increased college admissions chances: Many colleges and universities give preferential treatment to National Merit Finalists in the admissions process.

How many National Merit finalists are there 2023?

The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

How much money do National Merit finalists get?

National Merit^® $2500 Scholarships

All Finalists compete with all other Finalists in their state or other selection unit. Awards provide a one-time payment of $2,500.

Does National Merit finalist look good for college?

At this stage you might be named either a Commended Student or a Semifinalist. Both are impressive markers that are worth putting in your college application. Less than 5% of test takers receive any commendation from the National Merit program.

Does a 1400 PSAT qualify for National Merit?

Does a 1400 PSAT Qualify for National Merit? Based on the scores of real grade 11 students who took the PSAT, a score of 1400 puts you in the 97th percentile. You may not qualify for the National Merit Scholarship with this score: it also depends on the cut-off scores of your state.

Is 1150 a good PSAT score?

Each section is scored between 160-760, adding up to an overall score between 320-1520. A score in the 75th percentile is considered the benchmark — usually an 1150 overall. The top 1% of junior test-takers become semifinalists for National Merit scholarships.

What PSAT score is National Merit 2023?

Overall, you need to get a section score above 715 on both sections of the PSAT to compete for National Merit, with some states requiring even higher section scores. Again, aim for a few points higher than the minimum, as cutoffs can vary somewhat from year to year.

What is the difference between National Merit finalist and scholar?

Finalists are named Scholars (what the contest calls the scholarship winners) based on the strength of their applications. National Merit Scholars typically have outstanding applications that demonstrate their academic commitment, extracurricular and community involvement, passion, and drive.

What are the benefits of being a National Merit finalist?

In the National Merit^® Scholarship Program, three types of Merit Scholarship^® awards are offered to Finalists: National Merit $2500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards, and college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards.

Do colleges care if you're a National Merit Semifinalist?

If the schools you are interested in do not give students money, semi-finalist to finalist is of no difference to you. Some colleges will give scholarship money to semi-finalists. It really depends on the schools you are interested in. Not being named a finalist will not impact your chances of admission at any school.

Do colleges care about National Merit?

At the very least, doing well in the National Merit Scholarship Program can boost your odds in the college application process. Award amounts are the focus of many frequently asked questions about the scholarship program and its benefits, but dollars aren't the only measure of how Merit Scholars benefit.

Which schools have the most National Merit finalists?

What is the cut off for the National Merit Scholarship 2023?

Among smaller states (the 25 states with the fewest Semifinalists), only Kentucky's and West Virginia's cutoffs remained unchanged from last year. Large states were not immune to changes, either. California's cutoff declined to 220, a mark it hadn't seen in a decade.

What SAT score is required for National Merit Scholarship?

The National Merit Corporation is first and foremost looking to award academic achievement. There is no strict cutoff, but a competitive GPA (3.5 and above) and high SAT scores (approximately 1400 and above) are recommended. Your academic record should also show that you challenged yourself with honors and AP classes.

Is there a list of National Merit finalists?

Is there a list of Finalists in the National Merit® Scholarship Program? No. Each high school is notified in early February of their Semifinalists who have advanced to Finalist standing. Decisions regarding public announcements about Finalists are left to the discretion of the high school.

What is the highest PSAT score?

While the SAT is scored in a range of 400–1600, the PSAT is scored in a range of 320–1520.

How rare is National Merit Semifinalist?

Semifinalists. More than 16,000 of the high scorers, representing less than 1% of the nation's high school graduating seniors, will qualify as Semifinalists. Only Semifinalists will have an opportunity to advance in the competition for Merit Scholarship^® awards.

What is a good PSAT score?

A good PSAT score is between 1210 and 1520, which would put you in the top 10% of test takers. The average score earned on the PSAT is about 920, and a “perfect” score on the PSAT would be the maximum score of 1520.