Demystifying the National Merit Scholarship Process
After a year of distance learning and cancelled tests, even the words “National Merit” might intimidate. We’re here to simplify the process.
The PSAT/NMSQT may look a lot like a keyboard smash, but it actually stands for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test that students (typically) take during their junior year of high school. Other than being an abyssal three hours, the PSAT/NMSQT is also the test that begins the process of applying for the National Merit Scholarship.
What is the National Merit Scholarship Program?
The National Merit Scholarship Program offers merit aid to college-bound seniors. About 1.5 million juniors compete for the approximately thirty-four thousand commendations, sixteen thousand semifinalist spots, and fifteen thousand finalist spots. Of these students, 7,500 are selected as scholarship winners. In order to become a semifinalist, students must meet scores determined by a Selection Index that varies by state and year. To calculate your qualifying score, add your PSAT section scores together and multiply by two. For instance, if your Reading, Writing, and Math subscores were 33, 34, and 28 respectively, this would be the calculation: 2(33 + 34 + 28) = 190.
Schools announce semifinalists in early November, and from here the scholarship process is only beginning. Students must submit transcripts, official SAT scores, extracurricular information, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation from a high school principal. The personal essay prompt has remained the same for many years:
“To help the reviewers get to know you, describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you. Use your own words and limit your response to the space provided.”
Pro tip: This prompt is broad enough that students can typically rework a Common App essay. More information about the selection process can be found on page seven of the PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide.
There are three types of scholarships students may qualify for. The National Merit Scholarship gives students single payments of $2,500 to selected finalists; Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships give students pursuing certain career plans either one-time or renewable scholarships; and College-Sponsored Scholarships give students scholarships for their self-identified first choice college. Finalists are notified of scholarship status towards the end of their junior or senior year.
What if I missed the PSAT/NMSQT?
For students who are unable to take the PSAT due to “illness, an emergency, or other extenuating circumstance,” there is a chance for Alternate Entry. The student must write to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) between the missed PSAT/NMSQT administration and April 1st of the following calendar year. This request must include the student’s info and an explanation of why the student missed the PSAT/NMSQT. If the request is approved, students are able to submit official SAT scores in lieu of a PSAT score.
Interestingly enough, there are some strategic reasons why a student would choose to enter the National Merit competition via Alternate Entry. First of all, the PSAT has fewer available Selection Index points than the official SAT (228 vs. 240). You can also take the SAT as many times as possible to earn a confirming score (although superscoring is not allowed), while you can only take the PSAT/NMSQT once during your junior year. Lastly, depending on the test, PSAT curves may be harsher than official SAT curves. If a student takes the PSAT/NMSQT, this is the only score that will be considered for National Merit qualification.
For more insight on the National Merit Scholarship process or whether you should take advantage of the Alternate Entry route, contact our team. Our experienced tutors would be happy to guide you and your family through the options that work best for you.
