The National Merit Scholarship Corporation Program (NMSC) offers the National Merit program to identify and honor academically talented US high school students.
The award is an academic competition that invites approximately 1.6 million high school students annually in the United States.
Excellent opportunity for high school students. NMSC was established in 1955 as an independent, not-for-profit organization that works without government support. Since its opening, it has recognized over 3.3 million students and offered some 432,000 grants valued at over $1.7 billion.
Benefits
- The winner of the National Merit support will receive $ 2500 support for college studies.
- The award can be applied only for attendance at a US college or university that holds an accredited position with a regional accrediting commission on higher education.
- Course Level: Undergraduate
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2020.
- University or Organization: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
- Department: NA
- Award: $2,500 each
- Access Mode: Online
- Number of Awards: NA
- Nationality: US Citizen
- Awards can be taken in the USA
National Merit Scholarship Corporation Programme Eligibility
- Eligible Countries: Applications only open to the United States
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The awards will be awarded the undergraduate study in any subject.
- Admissible Criteria: To participate in the National Merit® program, a student must check the following:
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT® in the definite high school program year and no later than the 3rd year in grades 9 through 12, regardless of grade classification or learning pattern.
- Must be registered as a high school student in traditional or home-schooled, moving ahead usually for graduation or high school completion and planning to admit to college no later than the fall following high school completion.
- Join a high school in the United States, the District of Columbia, or the US commonwealth and territory; or check the citizenship requirements for students attending high school outside the United States:
- Students attending high school outside the US: Students joining high school outside the US should be a US citizen or be a US lawful resident (or have applied for permanent residence) and intend to become a US citizen at the earliest chance allowed by law.
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Winners
- Semifinalists: About 16,000 students (or approximately one-third) of the 50,000 top scorers are notified in September that they have been selected as Semifinalists. Semifinalists are designated on a state-representational basis to ensure that academically talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool. Semifinalists are the highest-scoring entrants from each state. While qualifying scores can vary from state to state and year to year, all Semifinalists have very high scores. Semifinalists can apply for scholarships through their high schools. Semifinalists must meet the requirements for National Merit Scholarship consideration by advancing to Finalist status in the competition. For more information on what Semifinalists must do, see the Instructions and Requirements for Semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program: Adobe Acrobat Reader required.
- Finalists Some 15,000 Semifinalists were notified in February that they had been promoted to Finalist status. Principals of high schools are also told and given a Certificate of Merit that they can present to each Finalist.
- Winner Selection: All winners of Merit Scholarship awards (Merit Scholar(r) designees) are chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments–without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. NMSC has many resources to help them evaluate the Finalist’s academic record, school curriculum, and grading system scores, PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score, written recommendations from the high school officials, and information about the student and his leadership abilities. The Finalist can also submit their essay.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
- How to Apply for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation Programme: Students must submit a National Merit application to your high school office using NMSC’s Online application (OSA).
- Note: On test day, students are asked some questions to determine entry to the National Merit program.
- Supporting Documents: If you attend high school outside the United States and have not yet become a US citizen, to become a Finalist must submit with the completed Application: A letter signed by you explaining your ideas for becoming a citizen, including the date on which you expect to be eligible and will apply for US citizenship.
- And, if you are a US lawful permanent resident, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) copy; a passport copy together with the identity/biographical page and the “I-551” stamp showing that you have been approved lawful permanent resident status.
- Or, if you have applied for US legal permanent residence, a copy of Form I-797 Receipt Notice from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) that verifies you filed the “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status” (Form I-485).
- NMSC must receive your letter and documentation on or before January 31, 2020.
- Entry Requirements: High School students must meet the program entry and participation requirements for the National Merit program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT at the specified time in the high school program, usually as juniors.
- Language Requirement: All students need appropriate English language skills to achieve the National Merit® program.