The National Merit Scholarship Program stands as one of America’s most prestigious academic competitions, recognizing and rewarding exceptional high school students for their academic achievement. Established in 1955, this program provides significant financial support for college-bound students while highlighting academic excellence across the nation.
The following guide provides detailed information about eligibility requirements, application procedures, important deadlines, and historical score cutoffs for the National Merit Scholarship Program, serving as a valuable resource for students, parents, and educators preparing for the 2025-2026 competition cycle.
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National Merit Scholarship 2025
The National Merit Scholarship Program was established in 1955 with the dual mission of promoting academic excellence and providing financial support to talented students pursuing higher education. For over six decades, this prestigious competition has been identifying and honoring high-achieving U.S. high school students, helping them overcome financial barriers to education. The program is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which works in conjunction with universities to award scholarships to academically talented high school seniors.
Unlike many scholarship opportunities that require multiple applications and essays from the start, the National Merit Scholarship Program begins with a single qualifying test, the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). However, despite this seemingly straightforward entry point, the selection process is highly competitive, with only a small percentage of test-takers advancing through all stages to receive scholarship awards.
Competition Structure
The National Merit Scholarship competition follows a multi-stage selection process. Students first qualify by taking the PSAT/NMSQT, typically in their junior year. Based on test performance, approximately 16,000 students are named Semifinalists, representing the top-scoring entrants in each state. These Semifinalists then compete to become one of the 15,000 Finalists through additional application requirements, with approximately 7,500 ultimately receiving scholarship awards.
National Merit Scholarship Requirements
To participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program 2026, students must meet several fundamental requirements:
Basic Eligibility
- Students must be enrolled in high school (traditional or homeschooled) and progressing normally toward graduation or completion by 2026.
- Students must plan to accept admission to college no later than the fall of 2026.
- Students must attend high school in the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. territories; or meet specific citizenship requirements for those attending high school outside the United States.
Testing Requirements
The primary pathway into the competition is the PSAT/NMSQT exam, which must be taken according to specific timing requirements:
- Students following a standard four-year high school program must take the qualifying test in their third year (junior year, grade 11).
- Students planning to leave high school early can participate if they take the qualifying test in either their next-to-last or final year of high school.
- Dual-enrolled students (simultaneously in high school and college) must take the qualifying test in their third year of high school.
- Students planning a five-year high school program can participate by taking the qualifying test in their third year and again in their fourth year, though this requires special approval from NMSC.
- In some cases, students may follow an Alternate Entry path if they meet specific requirements.
How to Apply for National Merit Scholarship Program
The application process for the National Merit Scholarship Program involves multiple stages that unfold over approximately 18 months:
Initial Entry Through PSAT/NMSQT
All students begin by taking the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year of high school. This single test serves as the initial screening for the competition, with a student’s Selection Index score determining whether they advance in the competition.
Semifinalist Selection
Semifinalists are selected on a state-representational basis, with cutoffs varying by state. Typically, about 16,000 of the highest-scoring students nationwide (approximately 1% of each state’s high school graduating class) are named Semifinalists4. Students are notified of Semifinalist standing in early September of their senior year.
Finalist Application Requirements
Semifinalists must complete additional steps to be considered for Finalist standing:
- Complete the National Merit Semifinalist Application using NMSC’s Online Scholarship Application (OSA).
- Submit SAT or ACT scores to verify PSAT/NMSQT performance.
- Maintain an outstanding academic record throughout high school.
- Receive endorsement and recommendation from their high school principal.
- Be enrolled in the last year of high school and planning to enroll full-time in college in the fall of the following year.
National Merit Scholarship Deadline
For students participating in the current competition cycle, several critical deadlines must be observed:
- Semifinalist Application Deadline: October 15, 2025.
- SAT/ACT Score Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026 (final deadline), but scores should be submitted by December 31, 2025, for full award consideration.
- College Admission Application: For college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards, students must apply for admission to the sponsor college by the college’s deadline (for example, University of Oregon’s deadline is January 15).
- Award Notification: Begins in early April when the National Merit Scholarship Corporation notifies finalists of their awards.
National Merit Scholarship PSAT Score
Selection Index Calculation
The PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index is calculated by doubling the Reading and Writing score (out of 38) and adding it to the Math score (out of 38), for a maximum possible Selection Index of 228. This index is used to determine which students advance in the competition.
Historical Cutoff Trends
Cutoff scores vary by state and from year to year, typically ranging from 208 to 2235. For the class of 2026, the Commended Student cutoff has been confirmed at 2104. Students scoring at or above this threshold will be recognized as either Commended Students or Semifinalists, depending on their state’s specific cutoff.
State Variations
Semifinalist cutoffs vary significantly by state, as they are determined by the performance of students within each state. These state-specific cutoffs ensure geographical representation across the country. For example, if 1,900 California students score 222 and higher, but 2,050 score 221 or higher, then the Semifinalist cutoff would be 221 (assuming that the target number of Semifinalists for California is between 1,900 and 2,050).
Types and Amounts of Scholarships
The National Merit Scholarship Program offers three types of scholarships:
- National Merit $2,500 Scholarships: One-time $2,500 scholarships awarded on a state-representational basis.
- Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards: Provided by approximately 220 corporations and business organizations for Finalists who meet their specified criteria.
- College-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards: For example, the University of Oregon offers selected College-Sponsored Finalists an $8,000 National Merit Scholarship, disbursed as $2,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study.
Summary
| Step | Description | Deadline |
| Take PSAT/NMSQT | Junior year of high school | October of Junior year |
| Semifinalist Notification | Fall of senior year | — |
| Submit Application | Online via NMSC’s OSA | October 15, 2025 |
| Submit SAT/ACT Scores | To confirm PSAT/NMSQT performance | January 31, 2026 |
| Finalist Standing | Meet all requirements and deadlines | — |
| Scholarship Awards | National, corporate, or college-sponsored | Announced April–July |
Conclusion
The National Merit Scholarship Program represents a significant opportunity for academically talented high school students to gain recognition and financial support for college. Understanding the program’s eligibility requirements, application process, and selection criteria is essential for students who wish to compete successfully. With cutoff scores for the class of 2026 trending upward, as indicated by the confirmed Commended cutoff of 2104, students should aim for scores in the higher range for their state to maximize their chances of advancing in the competition.
For students preparing to enter the 2026 competition, it’s crucial to register for the PSAT/NMSQT during junior year and begin preparation early. Those currently in the 2025 competition should carefully observe all deadlines, particularly the October 15, 2025 application deadline and the December 31, 2024 recommended date for submitting SAT or ACT scores.
This prestigious program not only offers substantial financial benefits but also provides recipients with a distinguished credential that can enhance college applications and future career opportunities. If you want to get more scholarships in USA, please visit our official site.