{"id":3743,"date":"2019-03-27T20:39:37","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T20:39:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/?p=3743"},"modified":"2021-03-24T15:56:27","modified_gmt":"2021-03-24T15:56:27","slug":"how-to-win-a-national-merit-scholarship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scholarshipowl.com\/blog\/apply-for-scholarships\/how-to-win-a-national-merit-scholarship\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Win a National Merit Scholarship"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HowMost high school students think of the PSAT as good practice for the SAT. But actually, the PSAT has benefits other than preparing students for the SAT.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you score high enough on the PSAT (or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), you may be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students who are accepted to the program win $2,500 in scholarship money. Over 8,600 students were selected as Merit Scholarship winners in 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n

Follow these steps on how to win a national merit scholarship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 1: Score Within the Top 1%<\/b><\/h2>\n

To be eligible for National Merit Scholarships, you need to take the PSAT\/NMSQT in October of your junior year. Your score must be within the top 1% among other high schoolers.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cutoff for top percentile scores changes every year. For cutoff scores in 2019 see <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Step 2: Get an Invitation to Apply<\/b><\/h2>\n

In September of your senior year, you will find out if you are one of about 16,000 students who qualify as a semi-finalist. <\/span><\/p>\n

Semi-finalists are invited to apply for the National Merit Scholarship through their high schools. If you receive an invitation, you will need to submit a scholarship application by early October. The process isn\u2019t so different than applying to college.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step 3: Get Your Application Materials<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"letter\"To continue the process, semifinalists must meet high academic standards and <\/span>program entry requirements<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

You need to send your academic record, a recommendation letter<\/a> from your school principal, and an essay. Your application should show academic commitment, community involvement, and involvement with extracurricular activities. It\u2019s important to put together an outstanding application to increase your chances of making it to the final round. <\/span><\/p>\n

Step 4: Score Highly on the SAT<\/b><\/h2>\n

You will also need to take the SAT and submit your scores to the scholarship organization.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the organization doesn\u2019t ask for a specific score, your SAT score should be high enough to confirm your previous PSAT\/NMSQT score. <\/span><\/p>\n

Once you submit your application and supplemental materials, you will need to wait until February to find out if you\u2019ve made it to the final round. Around 15,000 students make it to this round. <\/span><\/p>\n

You will be notified by mail that you have advanced to the final round. Your high school principal will also receive notification, along with a certificate to present to you. <\/span><\/p>\n

You then have to wait until May to find out if the NMSC has chosen you as a scholarship winner. Around 8,000 students will win a $2,500 scholarship. Finalists and winners are chosen based on their academic record, test scores, application essay, and leadership. <\/span><\/p>\n

Timeline<\/b><\/h2>\n