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PSAT Info and Strategies
Many students take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year. What a lot of students may not notice is the full name of the test is PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Thus, the PSAT is not just good practice for your SATs. It's also the first step in becoming a National Merit Finalist and hopefully, earning a $2,500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
In this article, we'll discuss what steps you need to take to become a National Merit Finalist and compete for a scholarship. We'll also give you advice on how to write a strong application and maximize your chances of becoming a National Merit Scholar.
Here's how the numbers break down:
Each year, about 1.6 million students take the PSAT. Of the juniors who take the exam, about 16,000 earn scores that qualify them as Semifinalists (that's around 1%). This group is narrowed down to 15,000, who become Finalists. Of this group, about 7,500 are awarded scholarships of $2,500 a year (that can be renewed each year you're in college).
This article will explain the three key steps you need to follow to win the National Merit scholarship, from meeting the entry requirements, to scoring well on the PSAT, to submitting a standout application.
Step 1: Meet the Entry Requirements
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) requires you to have a few qualifications to even be considered for the scholarship:
You must be enrolled as a high school student, progressing normally toward graduation.
You must plan to enroll full time in college starting the fall following high school graduation.
You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident planning to become a U.S. citizen.
These requirements will be checked with a few questions at the beginning of the PSAT.
Step 2: Score in the Top 1% of the PSAT
Becoming a National Merit Finalist is competitive and requires a top score on the PSAT. Although it varies from state to state, most students must score above 1400 (out of 1520) to qualify as a Semifinalist, which means they can compete to move on to Finalist standing.
How can you achieve a top 1% score on the PSAT? Prepare with high-quality materials. Identify your weak points and work to improve them. If the Reading section confuses you, spend the majority of your time practicing those sections. If math isn't your thing, commit yourself to drilling PSAT Math problems. The National Merit competition uses a Selection Index that is based on your Reading, Math, and Writing test scores, so mastering all three sections is key.
Take control of your learning and study with practice questions and sample tests. This practice will also pay off later when you take the SATs in the spring of your junior year and fall of senior year.
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We designed our program to learn your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics and customize your prep to be as effective as possible for you. When you start with PrepScholar, you'll take a diagnostic that will determine your weaknesses in over forty PSAT skills. PrepScholar then creates a study program specifically customized for you .
To improve each skill, you'll take focused lessons dedicated to each skill, with over 20 practice questions per skill. This will train you for your specific area weaknesses, so your time is always spent most effectively to raise your score.
We also force you to focus on understanding your mistakes and learning from them. If you make the same mistake over and over again, we'll call you out on it.
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For more info on prepping for the PSAT, check out our detailed guide to attaining National Merit Semifinalist status.
Step 3: Submit an Excellent Application
Complete the NMSC application requirements by fall of your senior year (usually early October). This application allows 15,000 of the 16,000 Semifinalists to move on to Finalist standing.
If you don't become a Finalist or don't qualify, you may still get word that you're a Commended Student or remain as a Semifinalist, which are great distinctions that will stand out on college applications. However, only Finalists are eligible for National Merit Scholarship awards.
The online NMSC application is the same as your college application in some ways and different in other ways.
Similarities
You must submit the following:
- Your academic record (transcript)
- SAT scores*
- Information about your activities and leadership roles
- A personal essay
*You have to take the SATs on approved dates, usually in the fall of your senior year, and make sure to send along your score report to NMSC. They need to receive your scores by December 31st of your senior year. While there is no strict cutoff for SAT scores, they must be competitive like your PSAT scores (usually around 1400 or above) so they know your PSAT wasn't a fluke.
Differences
- A recommendation from your high school principal or someone the principal designates as a school official
- Information about your school's curricula and grading system
Let's dig into each component to maximize your chance of building a strong application to win the National Merit Scholar title.
Academic Record and SAT Scores
The National Merit Corporation is first and foremost looking to award academic achievement. There is no strict cutoff, but a competitive GPA (3.5 and above) and high SAT scores (approximately 1400 and above) are recommended. Your academic record should also show that you challenged yourself with honors and AP classes. When you're a high school junior, there isn't much you can do about this, other than continue to excel in your classes.
Ready to go beyond just reading about the SAT? Then you'll love the free five-day trial for our SAT Complete Prep program . Designed and written by PrepScholar SAT experts , our SAT program customizes to your skill level in over 40 subskills so that you can focus your studying on what will get you the biggest score gains.
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Extracurricular Activities and Community Service
The NMC is also looking at the skills and accomplishments shown in your application. Demonstrated leadership goes a long way--for example, leading in Student Council or other student organizations.
Your activities should reveal your passions and interests--it is usually better to show "depth over breadth." In other words, get deeply involved in a few activities you're passionate about rather than showing minor participation in every club, team, and organization your school has to offer. Almost all activities are valuable if they show your commitment, leadership potential, and ability to work with and help others.
Recommendations
Recommendations go a long way. Cultivate good relationships with your teachers, counselor , and principal and provide a "brag sheet" for them with the qualities and accomplishments you would like them to include in your recommendation.
Your brag sheet may include the following:
- What six adjectives best describe you?
- What do you consider your greatest accomplishment(s)?
- What are your strongest goals for the next five years?
- What is a meaningful experience you have had during high school?
These anecdotes will make writing a lot easier, and they'll thank you for this.
Make sure to ask for your recommendation at least three weeks in advance of the deadline, and follow up with your writer to make sure it'll be submitted on time. The earlier you notify them, the more ahead you'll be of your classmates, most of whom will need college application letters.
Personal Essay
The personal essay adds your voice to your application materials. Your essay is the place where you can share your unique story and perspective and make your application materials come to life.
Here is an example of a past National Merit essay question:
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.
The space allows for about 500 - 600 words.
You should focus on two important components of the essay. First, the NMC wants to see that you can express yourself clearly and powerfully through writing . Make sure to proofread, edit, and revise for any spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or weaknesses in syntax and diction.
Second, your essay reveals how you think about yourself , your accomplishments, and your goals. What do your experiences mean to you? What do they reveal about your identity? Spend some time brainstorming before you decide what aspects of your identity are most important to share with the NMC readers.
For example, did a group science fair project show you the power of collaboration in making new discoveries? Did a Student Council debate reveal the complexity of perspectives on a single issue? Did Lisa Simpson teach you the importance of sticking to your principles, even if your family may not always agree?
The topics are endless, and there is no best answer, but whatever you choose should reveal something significant about who you are . Once you have your first draft, ask a friend, family member, counselor, or English teacher for feedback on what worked and what didn't. It's a short essay, so make sure every sentence is there for a reason and important for telling your story.
In Conclusion
Staying motivated and committing yourself to all these goals will put you in the best position toward becoming a National Merit Finalist. Remember, only 15,000 students (< 1%) are chosen as Finalists, and of those, only about 7,500 students receive scholarships. On a percentage basis, it's even more competitive than getting into the Ivy League, so even with all your hard work, you'll still need a certain amount of luck!
NSMC notifies students if they have become finalists in February of their senior year. Scholarship notifications go out in March. By that time, most of your college applications will be done and submitted.
Now you just have to try to relax and wait for the decisions to come! If you complete all the steps mentioned above, you can be confident that you've done all you can – now hopefully the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will recognize all your hard work.
What's Next?
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Scholarship Essays
National Merit Scholarship Essay Example 2 - Influential Person or Obstacle
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.
Hot, salty tears continuously run down my dirt-streaked face and cling to the tip of my nose. I can feel the flush of blood run to my cheeks in embarrassment. All I can think is, "I am so patheticly weak!" I can feel my stomach aching, and I know, if it hadn't already, my breakfast would be coming back. My limbs feel like giant rubber hoses, with no life in them. There is no will in me to move from my current position, with my knees curled to my chest, and my face in the dirt.
The sun is beating down on my back with sharp lances of sunlight. "Come on, get up." I hear from far away to my left. it is not unkind, but I have no inclination to obey it. "You can do it. Mind over matter." The voice is getting closer to my ear, but still my resolve to do anything has vanished. Suddenly, there she is, knelt on the ground so she can put her face directly in front of mine. "Almost done! You can do it, just finish! Always finish!" In my mind, though, I know I'll never be able to finish the last eight miles of our marathon.
Without quite realizing it, I allow my coach to help me to my feet. Her face breaks out into an incredulous grin. My mind doesnt even function enough to wonder how she can manage to smile, or stand after the first eighteen miles. Coach T resumes spewing her never-ending monologue of encouragements, all while running next to me, until finally, the unthinkable happens. We cross the finish line.
Finishing those twenty-six miles was undoubtedly the most rewarding and satisfying moment of my life. Never before have I needed so much focus or determination. Yet I know that without Coach T there to help me, I would never have finished. She has been so much more than just my high school volleyball coach; she has helped me learn things that no other person ever could. She taught me that quitting anything is never an option, but most importantly, she taught me that i can do anything if I sincerely try. And I have carried that lesson with me everywhere since.
Original Source: Essay Forum
The Admissions Strategist
National merit scholarship (how to win it): the winner’s guide.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for scholarships and recognition that started in 1955.
Each year, approximately 7,500 Finalists receive scholarships. About 1,100 outstanding National Merit participants who are not Finalists also receive Special Scholarships annually.
Some colleges even offer free tuition or full-ride scholarships to National Merit Finalists.
Scholarship money is always great, but it isn’t the only benefit to the National Merit program. Becoming a National Merit Finalist is a prestigious honor that can give your chances of college admission a major boost.
So, how can you reap the benefits of becoming a National Merit Finalist? Read this guide to learn everything you need to know!
Odds of Winning a National Merit Scholarship
Before we get started, you should know that earning a National Merit Scholarship is even more competitive than earning acceptance to an Ivy League college.
- Millions of students take the PSAT each year. About 16,000 students become Semifinalists, and 15,000 become Finalists.
- Of the Finalists, about 7,500 receive scholarships.
Of course, even if you don’t win a scholarship, becoming a Semifinalist or Finalist is a great honor.
It can make you a more competitive college applicant and earn you additional scholarship money from some colleges.
So, let’s find out how to increase your chances of success.
How to Enter the National Merit Program
Entering the National Merit Program is simple: Take the PSAT (formally known as the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) during the fall of your junior year in high school.
The test is usually administered in October.
Click above to watch a video on how to win the National Merit Scholarship.
If you meet certain qualifications, taking the PSAT/NMSQT automatically enters you in the National Merit Scholarship competition.
These qualifications are:
- Being enrolled as a high school student who is progressing normally toward graduation
- Planning to enroll full-time in college the fall after you graduate from high school
- Being a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident who plans to become a U.S. citizen
On your PSAT test form, you will answer four questions that determine whether you meet these requirements.
Next Steps: Qualifying for Scholarships
Of course, taking the test is only the beginning. To continue through the competition, you’ll need to:
- Score in the top one percent of PSAT test-takers
- Find out if you’re a Semifinalist or a Commended student
- Complete an application (if selected as a Semifinalist)
- Submit SAT scores
- Find out if you’ve qualified for scholarship(s)
Let’s take a closer look at each step of this process.
Score in the Top One Percent
After you take the PSAT, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) receives and reviews scores.
- If you meet the basic qualifications described above, they look at your Selection Index .
- The Selection Index is calculated by doubling the sum of your Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics scores.
About 16,000 high scorers become Semifinalists.
- This represents less than one percent of test-takers, meaning you’ll need to score in the top one percent to qualify as a semifinalist.
However, scores are considered on a state-by-state basis, so that students from across the nation have a chance to qualify.
Students often ask what score they’ll need to become a Semifinalist. This is hard to answer, because it varies from year to year. It’s usually somewhere around 1400.
For more information, you can call the NMSC at 847-866-5100 and ask about the previous year’s cutoff in your state.
Connect us to your school's principal!
Receive notification of semifinalist/commended status.
You’ll have a long wait before you find out if you’ve achieved Semifinalist status.
In late September of your senior year, about 34,000 students receive a Letter of Commendation. Commended Students are based on a Selection Index score that is slightly lower than the Selection Index score needed to become a Semifinalist.
- Commended students don’t continue in the competition, but some do receive Special Scholarships.
- It’s also something positive to mention on your college applications.
An additional 16,000 students are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists, usually in early September. All Semifinalists will receive application materials from NMSC through their schools.
Complete an Application
To advance from Semifinalist to Finalist, you will need to complete the NMSC application. 15,000 of the 16,000 Semifinalists become Finalists.
These applications are usually due in early October. The application is similar to a college application.
It includes:
- Information about your activities and leadership roles
- A recommendation letter from the principal or a school official designated by your principal
- Information about your school’s grading system and classes
To become a Finalist, you must:
- Have excellent academic performance all four years of high school (preferably a 3.5 GPA or higher)
- Have SAT scores that “confirm your PSAT performance”
- Continue meeting basic qualifications, including being enrolled in the last year of high school and planning to enroll in college in the fall
In the “Tips” section at the end of the article, we’ll discuss how to put your best foot forward with an impressive application.
Submit SAT Scores
SAT scores are part of the NMSC application. You’ll have to take the SAT on approved dates, usually during the fall of senior year.
- The NMSC must receive your scores by December 31 of your senior year.
- Although the NMSC doesn’t give a specific cutoff score for the SAT, they do say that your score should confirm your PSAT score.
Basically, your score should be close to your PSAT score to demonstrate that your PSAT performance wasn’t a fluke. You should aim for around 1400 or better.
Qualify for Scholarships
In February, about 15,000 Semifinalists receive a letter that they have advanced to Finalist standing.
Your high school principal will receive a certificate and present it to you.
From the Finalist group, winners of Merit Scholarships are selected. These selections are based on abilities, skills, and accomplishments.
Between March and mid-June, 7,500 Finalists learn that they have been awarded Merit Scholarships. There are three types of scholarships:
- National Merit $2500 Scholarships: Every Finalist is considered for these single payment scholarships, which are awarded on a state-by-state basis. Selections are not based on financial circumstances, major or college choice, or career plans.
- Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards: Corporate sponsors designate awards for children of employees or members, residents of communities where the company operates, or Finalists with career plans the sponsor wishes to encourage. These awards are usually $500-$2000 and may be one-time awards or renewable for all four years of college.
- College-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards: Officials of sponsor colleges select winners from Finalists who have been accepted for admission and have informed NMSC that the college is their top choice. These awards are renewable for four years of undergraduate study.
Schools that offer free tuition or free-ride scholarships to National Merit Scholars include:
- Texas A&M
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Arizona
- Auburn University
- University of Tulsa
- Baylor University
In addition, about 1,100 excellent National Merit Program participants who are not Finalists receive Special Scholarships.
These may be one-time awards or renewable for four years of study. Students must meet the sponsor’s criteria and submit an entry form to the sponsor organization.
Tips for Winning a National Merit Scholarship
Now, we’ll look at tips that will help you qualify for a National Merit Scholarship.
These tips fall into two categories: earning a high score on the PSAT and submitting a top-notch NMSC application.
How to Earn a High Score on the PSAT
- Answer PSAT practice questions or take practice tests on the CollegeBoard’s website. Becoming familiar with the structure, format, and question types is extremely helpful.
- When you get a question wrong, take the time to read the right answer and understand why it’s correct. Why did you get the question wrong? What steered you in the wrong direction? What’s a better strategy you can use in the future?
- Based on how you perform on practice tests, determine your strengths and weaknesses. As you continue preparing, focus on improving in your areas of weakness.
- This may mean drilling math questions, studying vocabulary words (along with roots, prefixes, and suffixes), brushing up on grammar, or practicing with reading passages.
- If you need a lot of help in a subject area, consider hiring a tutor or working with a teacher at your school.
- Continue taking practice tests/answering practice questions to ensure that you’re improving and getting closer to your target score.
How to Submit a Competitive NMSC Application
- Have a GPA of at least 3.5 or better. You should have performed consistently well throughout high school, and you should have taken challenging courses. Of course, you can’t change your previous performance and schedule, but do your best to earn the highest grades possible now.
- Earn a high score on the SAT (preferably 1400 or better). You can prepare for the SAT in much the same way you prepared for the PSAT.
- Show deep extracurricular involvement in a few areas you’re passionate about, along with leadership experiences whenever possible.
- Cultivate positive relationships with your principal and other school officials. Ask for your recommendation at least three weeks ahead of time. Provide a list of qualities, experiences, and accomplishments they can mention in your letter.
Writing an Excellent Personal Essay for Your Application
Your NMSC essay must be 500-600 words.
The personal essay topic varies each year. Here’s one example from a previous year:
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.
Like your college application essay, this essay is intended to showcase your unique personality and perspective.
Follow the same guidelines you should follow when writing your college application essay:
- Brainstorm what aspects of your life, personality, and values you’d like to share with the NMSC.
- Write in your authentic voice and be honest. The committee wants to know who you are as an individual.
- Open with an anecdote that introduces the topic you’d like to address. Use specific details that make the story yours.
- Be reflective. What did you learn from the experience you’ve described? How did it help you grow or influence your life? Why does the topic you selected matter to you?
- Proofread and edit. Make sure you’ve conveyed your ideas clearly and using appropriate conventions. Cut unnecessary fluff and clarify confusing parts.
- Have a parent, friend, and/or teacher read your essay and provide feedback.
Final Thoughts: National Merit Scholarship (And How to Win It!)
If you become a National Merit Scholar, it’s a huge honor that can qualify you for several scholarships (and even a full ride at some schools).
- Winning a National Merit scholarship is a long and highly competitive process, but it’s doable with practice and dedication.
The steps you must take to win a National Merit scholarship—earning good grades, participating in leadership and extracurricular activities, preparing for and performing well on the SAT, building relationships with teachers and administrators, and crafting a personal essay—are also essential for applying to college.
- So, aiming for a National Merit scholarship is a win no matter what happens. Do your best, but don’t stress too much over the results.
You’ll learn a lot from the experience, and you’ll build the competitiveness of your college application. If you win a scholarship or two along the way, that’s icing on the cake.
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How to Write a National Merit Essay
Teresa j. siskin.
You’ve cleared the first hurdle once you’ve become a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Continuing to compete as a finalist means completing an application, which includes an essay. While there is no one "correct” way to write this essay, you can help distinguish yourself from fellow semifinalists by offering a clear, concise 500-word piece that shares a perspective and leaves an impression.
Explore this article
- Structure and Inspiration
1 Structure and Inspiration
You can approach the National Merit Scholarship essay as you would any other scholarship essay. According to Kansas State University and Dr. Kay Peterson from the University of Florida, one way to structure your essay is to focus on a life altering or defining moment. Draw from a simple occurrence, such as falling off your bike as a small child or a book you read, or from a much more intense event, such as losing a home in a hurricane, as long as you relay what lesson you took from that experience. Use the introduction of your essay to recount this defining moment, and conclude with a thesis that summarizes how that event affected your outlook on life. Then, use your subsequent body paragraphs to highlight how this moment continues to affect your life personally or academically, and conclude by relating this experience to your goals for college, your desire for college scholarships, or your passion for becoming a National Merit Scholar. You can always ask others for help both in brainstorming for essay topics and in editing your final product.
- 1 University of Florida Office of Financial Aid: Writing the Scholarship Essay
- 2 Kansas State University: Writing Scholarship Essays
About the Author
Teresa J. Siskin has been a researcher, writer and editor since 2009. She holds a doctorate in art history.
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Scholarly Advice from Austin E. Pickup
After studying Spanish and chemistry at Luther College, Austin E. Pickup hopes to attend medical school and pursue his dream of becoming a medical doctor. The recipient of a 2013 Henry Taub Memorial Scholarship sponsored by the ADP Foundation, Austin has the following advice for competing students and potential sponsors of the National Merit Scholarship Program:
"I would tell [students] to take the application very seriously and that you have to just be yourself. I've only completely rewritten one essay in my life and it was the application for the Taub scholarship. I normally write an essay and have my friends/family review it and just keep tweaking it. However, I knew this essay was important and I didn't like my first essay, even after edits. I completely scrapped it and spent another few hours making myself rewrite an essay. At the time, it wasn't fun because I didn't think I'd get anything out of it but I wanted to give myself the best chance possible. Looking back, that was the best decision I think I've ever made. To the corporations, I want to emphasize how important scholarships are for students these days. Even if I had gone to a state school I would have thousands of dollars of student loans. Every time someone gets a scholarship they are allowed more freedom to pursue learning and developing themselves as a person. I have had the great fortune of being awarded that freedom and I feel like a more whole, well-rounded person because of my studies I was able to carry out. I can't underestimate how much differently I see the world now than when I was 18, and I couldn't have done that without scholarships."
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Bad essay for National Merit Application
<p>Hi guys!</p>
<p>So, I got a 221 on my PSAT. I was the top scorer at my high school, and one of three National Merit semifinalists. As you probably know, applications to the National Merit people were due a few weeks ago.</p>
<p>It was the first app I've ever done. I fully represented myself as a well-rounded student, etc. To give you and idea, I am a team captain for cross country and both track teams (25+ hrs commitment a week), Girl Scout since kindergarten, have completed hundreds of hours of community service, have an unweighted 4.0, and am 6th in the class at a National Blue Ribbon School. I'm also Hispanic, and a National Hispanic Scholar.</p>
<p>With all of that said, I completely screwed the essay, which was about overcoming an obstacle. I wrote about my struggle this year in which I became a drone amidst the tedium of an AP-obsessed community and finally told myself that my priority would be to expand my intellectual horizons rather than focusing on grades, etc. Not an uplifting topic, and in retrospective, a poor choice that I attribute to ineptitude.</p>
<p>To make things even worse, there are two minute typos in it that I noticed after I had submitted - "menta;" and "om" instead of "of". They are not terribly noticeable, but I was already concerned that my essay choice was too depressing (albeit well-written otherwise).</p>
<p>It was my first shot at this sort of process, and it came out sloppy. I've been a nervous wreck wondering if it's enough to keep me from being selected as a Finalist. I know that out of 16,000 semis, 15,000 become finalists but I really don't want to be in that 1,000 that isn't because of this stupid essay. Ever since I've been basically nauseous with anxiety about it. </p>
<p>Should I be worried? Can I contact/email someone? Thoughts? Suggestions?</p>
<p>Thank you so much for reading, and for any advice. Good luck to all of you!</p>
<p>I think there is nothing for it now… no call or email will do any good. if it is any consolidation, my D realized after she sent hers that she has an inconsistency in the middle of her essay. Like, one sentence literally contradicts the one before it. I still think she will make it. I am confident that based on your description that will not make you miss out on getting NMF status with all the other things you have going for you. Assuming your SAT was above 2000 and you sent that to them, you should be good. So don’t worry about it, just dig in on your actual applications for college, and good luck! :)</p>
<p>thank you for the encouragement! i have a 2220 SAT. fingers crossed, i was just hoping for another perspective.</p>
<p>94% of semifinalists become finalists. I’m betting that 1000 are the people who forget to do the application, have their schools screw up on them, can’t produce a verifying SAT score, or have poor grades. A poor essay isn’t good, but I don’t know if it’s worth worrying about. Especially since there’s nothing you can do.</p>
<p>The essay is more a “technicality” than truly something used to decide whether or not you advance. Most people just use an essay they have already written for the common app.</p>
<p>I’m certain that your essay was just fine. What you write on your college apps though won’t be so easily dismissed, so choose and write wisely.</p>
<p>I think your essay sounds interesting, and bet it’s better than you think. If you wrote clearly about your ideas and feelings you will have expressed something important about your reality. I really don’t see any problem with that. My impression is the topic is not nearly as important as your clarity and insight, and your conclusion is an admirable one - so don’t sweat it!</p>
<p>My daughter messed up her essay too. Hers was too long, and it was cut off by the software system. I contacted National Merit Corp., and they said the essay could not be altered. I’m hopeful that she’ll be OK. Everything else about her application is strong.</p>
<p>I’ve only known one NMSF to not make NMF over the essay. That student wrote a rude essay about how stupid the NMF process is.</p>
<p>Do not worry about this at all. If your application was submitted on time, you have the GPA (yes), you have the SAT scores (yes), you have your school’s recommendation/no discipline issues, and have a reasonably coherent essay on the topic given–you’re in. You have not messed up. Congrats!</p>
<p>i crapped on the essay last year, still got it, nbd</p>
<p>Thanks pux3940. =)</p>
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What Is a National Merit® Scholarship
The National Merit Corporation is a privately funded NGO organization that awards brilliant students with a prestigious Merit Scholarship to cover their academic fees. It was founded in 1955, and since then, it has helped over 3 million students achieve their academic dreams. The National Merit Corporation runs two types of programs. The National Merit Scholarship Program awards U.S. high school students that excel at academic performance. The other one, the National Achievement Scholarship Program, founded in 1964, helps Black American youth to pursue their studies. Students applying for one of their scholarships must pass a competition, and our personal statement writers can be very useful for that. These are the different stages of it:
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If you are thinking of applying for one of their scholarships, you should be aware of the National Merit Scholarship requirements. To be considered for one of their grants, you should attend a U.S high school. You could also attend a school within the U.S Commonwealth or the District of Columbia. You need to be a U.S citizen or be living lawfully in the U.S. as a permanent resident.
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You should focus on two important components of the essay. First, the NMC wants to see that you can express yourself clearly and powerfully
Scholarship Essays · 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
Scholarship Essays · 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
Writing an Excellent Personal Essay for Your Application · Brainstorm what aspects of your life, personality, and values you'd like to share with the NMSC.
You can approach the National Merit Scholarship essay as you would any other scholarship essay. According to Kansas State University and Dr. Kay Peterson from
I've only completely rewritten one essay in my life and it was the application for the Taub scholarship. I normally write an essay and have my friends/family
Scholarship Essay One - Crabiel; Scholarship Essay Two - National Merit Scholar ... an application to become the liaison to the local board of education.
Hi guys! So, I got a 221 on my PSAT. I was the top scorer at my high school, and one of three National Merit semifinalists. As you probably know
Use NMSC's Online Scholarship Application (OSA) to submit your National Merit Scholarship Application. Be sure to follow all instructions to ensure your
If you are a semifinalist, as part of your National Merit Scholarship application you will need to submit a self-descriptive essay. In this essay, the jury will