National Merit Scholarship - What's in it for me??
Written by Dominique O’Neill
National Merit Scholar, Recent College Graduate and Tutor
What’s in it for me? Possibly thousands of dollars earned in 3 hours of taking a test!! Become a National Merit Scholar this October by acing the PSAT…
What is National Merit?
National Merit is a designation given to the highest-scoring students on the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test). There are three tiers of designation: Commended, Semi-finalist, and Finalist. National Merit Finalist is one of the most prestigious academic awards a high school student can earn. In fact, it is only awarded to 1% of all test takers!
how do i qualify for national merit scholar?
All National Merit designations are awarded based on the Junior Fall PSAT taken in October. This PSAT is also known as the PSAT NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). Any PSAT taken in Sophomore years or earlier does NOT count toward National Merit. It is ONLY the Junior year test.
Each year, the exact score needed to qualify changes, but semi-finalist/finalist hopefuls need to be scoring in the 99th Percentile to make the cut. The cutoff score is based on statewide performance and varies by year and by state. In Texas, it is generally safe to score 1480 or above to make the cut, but there is no guarantee.
What’s in it for me?
If you become a Finalist, you are eligible for FULL RIDE scholarships to over 20 universities. Texas Tech, University of North Texas, UT Dallas, Alabama, and all public universities in Florida are just a few examples. This equates to over $100,000 in value and a debt-free college degree!
In addition, National Merit Finalists are eligible for many smaller stipends and scholarships from countless universities and corporations. Any National Merit Finalist can count on at least a few thousand dollars in scholarships to nearly any university they attend.
If a student becomes a Semi-finalist or Commended, they can expect much smaller awards. Commended scholars do not normally receive scholarships, and Semi-finalists usually only receive small stipends. Still, Commended and Semi-finalist still look excellent on any college application!
how do i prepare for the psat my junior year?
To prepare, you can take a test prep course, hire a tutor, use free online resources like Khan Academy, use PSAT/SAT prep books, and take as many practice tests as possible. Most schools in The Woodlands area require students to take the PSAT, but if yours does not, make sure you sign up for it! Now is a great time to register or double-check with your school.
What’s up with this new Digital sat I’ve been hearing about? Does this affect National Merit?
The SAT is getting a big redesign starting with the PSAT this fall. Most notably, the test is getting shorter; the reading section has short paragraphs rather than long passages, the math section allows a calculator (Desmos) for the entire test, and the test is taken 100% online (unless a student has an approved accommodation).
While the test is likely easier for many students now, the downside is that there are no previous years of data to estimate what the National Merit cut-off will be. In past years, 1500 has been an ideal score, but that could change with the test redesign. Unfortunately, this year’s test-takers will be the guinea pig.
The best way to combat the uncertainty is to work with someone who knows about the new test and who can walk you through all the changes and ensure you achieve the best score possible.
What if I want to take the ACT instead?
If a student wants to focus on the ACT over the SAT, that is perfectly fine. However, there is no National Merit equivalent for the ACT. The only way to achieve National Merit is through the Junior PSAT. No matter your plans for the SAT or ACT, it is always recommended to at least take the PSAT. It can be a good first exposure to the SAT and that type of test-taking even if you don’t score in the top 1%.
Do standardized tests even matter anymore? Aren’t schools test optional now?
Many schools are no longer requiring SAT or ACT scores, but taking the PSAT is a chance for free scholarships. Colleges do not ask for PSAT scores, so even if a student gets a low score on the PSAT, it will not affect their admission whatsoever. There is only money to gain and nothing to lose with the PSAT!
Why can I trust you? This all seems too good to be true.
I speak from experience! I was a National Merit Scholar myself. I received a full-ride scholarship and graduated debt free. National Merit changed my life for the better, and I hope others have that chance, too!