The National Merit Journey
From test day to scholarship winner
National Merit by the Numbers
Complete Timeline
Take the PSAT
October (Junior Year)
Take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year. This is your one shot at National Merit qualification. The test is administered at your high school on a specific date in October. Make sure to register through your school counselor in advance.
What to bring: Photo ID, calculator (for allowed sections), #2 pencils as backup, and your determination!
Receive Your Scores
December (Junior Year)
PSAT scores are released approximately 6-8 weeks after the test. You'll receive your total score, section scores, and most importantly, your Selection Index. Log into your College Board account to access your detailed score report.
Selection Index Formula: (Reading/Writing × 2 + Math) ÷ 10
Commended Student Cutoff Announced
April (Junior Year)
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announces the national Commended Student cutoff (210 for Class of 2026). If you scored at or above this cutoff, you're eligible for recognition as a Commended Student or to advance to Semifinalist status based on your state's cutoff.
Top 50,000 Students Identified
September (Senior Year)
Approximately 50,000 students with the highest Selection Index scores receive recognition. About 34,000 will be named Commended Students (scoring above 210 but below their state's Semifinalist cutoff), while 16,000 will advance as Semifinalists.
Semifinalist Announcement
Early-Mid September (Senior Year)
The most exciting moment: Semifinalists are announced! About 16,000 students representing the top 1% of test-takers in each state are named Semifinalists. Your high school will notify you first, followed by the official public announcement. Semifinalist cutoffs vary by state.
Next step: Complete the Semifinalist application by the deadline (usually mid-October).
Semifinalist Application
September-October (Senior Year)
Semifinalists must submit a detailed application including:
- Personal essay
- Academic record/transcript
- SAT scores (confirming score required)
- School recommendation
- Information about extracurricular activities
This application determines who advances to Finalist status.
Finalist Status
February (Senior Year)
Around 15,000 Semifinalists (about 94%) advance to Finalist status. Finalists are announced in February. At this point, you're in the top 0.5% of all PSAT test-takers nationwide!
Why some don't advance: Incomplete application, low SAT confirming score, or insufficient academic record.
Scholarship Winners Announced
March-June (Senior Year)
Scholarship awards are announced in waves:
- March: National Merit $2,500 Scholarships
- April-May: Corporate-sponsored scholarships
- May-June: College-sponsored scholarships
Approximately 7,500 Finalists receive official National Merit Scholarships. However, many more Finalists receive generous college-sponsored awards directly from universities.
Understanding Each Recognition Level
Commended Students (~34,000)
Requirement: Selection Index of 210 or above (Class of 2026)
Recognition: Letter of Commendation, prestigious academic recognition
Benefits: Impressive credential for college applications, though no direct scholarship from National Merit
Semifinalists (~16,000)
Requirement: Meet or exceed your state's cutoff score (ranges from 210 to 225 for Class of 2026)
Recognition: Semifinalist Certificate, top 1% of test-takers in your state
Benefits: Significant boost to college applications, eligible to advance to Finalist
Finalists (~15,000)
Requirement: Complete Semifinalist application, strong academic record, satisfactory SAT scores
Recognition: Finalist Certificate, top 0.5% nationally
Benefits: Eligible for National Merit Scholarships and college-sponsored awards worth up to $200,000+
Scholarship Winners (~7,500)
Requirement: Finalist status, application to participating colleges/companies
Awards: National Merit $2,500, corporate scholarships, or college-sponsored scholarships
Benefits: Direct scholarship money, full-tuition packages at many universities, lifetime prestige
Important Tips for Success
- Prepare thoroughly for the junior year PSAT - This is your only chance!
- Know your state's cutoff - Check historical cutoffs to understand what score you need
- Submit applications on time - Missing deadlines can disqualify you from advancing
- Take the SAT - Finalists need a confirming SAT score, so don't skip it
- Maintain strong grades - Your GPA matters for advancing from Semifinalist to Finalist
- Research college-sponsored scholarships - Many universities offer full-ride packages to Finalists