NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual competition that recognizes and awards college scholarships to high school students. It has been running since 1955 and is managed by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®). This non-profit organization operates without government assistance.

To enter the competition, students must take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which screens over 1.3 million entrants annually. Additionally, they must meet the program’s entry and participation requirements.

To participate in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program and compete for recognition and 7,880 scholarships, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2023 and meet other program entry requirements. Taking the qualifying test in the specified year of the high school program is essential. Most entrants will complete high school and enroll in college in 2025.