National Merit Scholarship-Complete Guide for Students — What It Is, Who Qualifies & How to Apply
SECTION 1 — WHAT IS THE NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP? What Is the National Merit Scholarship? The National Merit Scholarship is one of the most prestigious academic awards a high school student in the United States can receive. It is given every year to students who show outstanding academic ability and score exceptionally well on a specific test called the PSAT/NMSQT. Think of it this way: it is like the Olympics — but for students who love studying. Every year, more than 1.5 million students enter, and only a small percentage of the very best are selected as winners. 🏛️ About the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC): Founded in: 1955 Headquarters: Evanston, Illinois, USA Students who enter every year: Over 1.5 million Scholarship winners selected each year: Approximately 7,500 students Total scholarships awarded since founding: Over $1 Billion in scholarships In Simple Words — What Does This Mean for Y...