The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition in the United States that awards scholarships to high school students based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). Each year, approximately 1.6 million high school juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT, and around 50,000 students with the highest scores are recognized as Commended Students or Semifinalists. From this pool, finalists are selected, and a portion of them are awarded scholarships sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), colleges, or corporate sponsors. The scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition costs and are highly regarded by colleges and universities.
The National Merit Scholarship Program not only recognizes academic excellence but also provides significant financial support to deserving students as they pursue higher education. This program serves as a prestigious acknowledgment of a student’s achievements and can open doors to opportunities at top colleges and universities. Additionally, being named a National Merit Scholar can enhance a student’s resume and future career prospects. The program aims to foster and reward intellectual talent, encouraging students to excel academically and reach their full potential.