National Merit Scholarship Program
Scholarship · National Merit Scholarship Corporation · PSAT/NMSQT at your school
Recognition and scholarships based on junior-year PSAT scores.
Our take
Semifinalist (top ~1% in your state) is a line every reader recognizes, and Finalist unlocks big automatic scholarships at many universities. The only prep is the PSAT.
“Helps an application” is our read on how much an admissions reader is likely to weigh it: Strong means getting in or placing is a real achievement, Solid means it shows real interest and effort, and Light usually means most students who apply and pay can attend. It’s our opinion, not a ranking from any college, and a light one can still be a great summer.
The details
- Run by
- National Merit Scholarship Corporation
- Type
- Scholarship
- Format
- In person, PSAT/NMSQT at your school
- When
- During the school year
- Who can apply
- 11th grade
- How hard to get in
- Highly selective
- Cost
- Free
- Deadline
- Usually closes in October. Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of junior year; there is no separate application until you are named a semifinalist.
- Subjects
- Any subject
Dates, costs and rules change every year. Check the official site before you apply. Last checked October 18, 2026.
Questions
Is National Merit Scholarship Program worth it?
Semifinalist (top ~1% in your state) is a line every reader recognizes, and Finalist unlocks big automatic scholarships at many universities. The only prep is the PSAT. On how much it helps a college application, we rate it strong.
How much does National Merit Scholarship Program cost?
It’s free, or it pays you. Check the official site for this year’s price.
When is the National Merit Scholarship Program deadline?
Usually closes in October. Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of junior year; there is no separate application until you are named a semifinalist. Exact dates change every year, so confirm on the official site.
Who can apply to National Merit Scholarship Program?
Students in 11th grade. It is highly selective.
Want a list picked for you?
Clarity Prep members get opportunities matched to their grade, interests and state in the app, plus a mentor who helps them decide what’s worth applying to and checks in every week until the applications are in.
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