National Merit Scholarship Program Guide

About the National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program runs on an annual cycle, so the 2026 competition follows the same path as prior years. You do not submit a separate application to enter; instead, you qualify by taking the PSAT/NMSQT during your junior year of high school. That single test score is your entry point.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic competition that recognizes high-achieving high school students. It rewards strong test performance with recognition and, for some students, direct financial support toward college. Because entry depends on a test taken in eleventh grade, timing matters, and the sections below explain exactly how it works.

Who Runs the Program

The program is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Program, a not-for-profit organization based in the United States. It manages the competition, reviews qualifying scores, and coordinates with the testing body that delivers the PSAT/NMSQT. The organization also works with colleges and corporate sponsors that fund some of the awards.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

This competition is aimed at high school seniors in the United States, since students enter through a test taken during their junior year and are recognized as seniors. The program does not restrict students to any single field of study. You are free to pursue whatever major or degree path you choose once you enroll in college.

How Many Awards Are Offered?

The exact number of awards for the current cycle is not specified here. The program historically recognizes a large pool of students each year and funds a portion of them, but you should confirm the current figures directly on the official website, because they can change from year to year.

Who Can Apply for the National Merit Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship is built for students inside the United States education system. It targets high school students who are on track to enter college and who perform strongly on the qualifying test. If you are studying in the US and preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year, this competition is designed with you in mind.

What the Program Covers

The National Merit Scholarship provides recognition and financial support toward undergraduate study for students who advance far enough in the competition. The specific dollar value depends on the type of award you receive, since some are funded by the program directly and others by participating colleges or corporate sponsors. The exact amounts and duration are not detailed here, so check the official website for the figures tied to each award category.

Eligibility Requirements

To take part in the National Merit Scholarship Program, you generally need to meet these conditions:

• Be a resident of the United States.
• Be enrolled as a high school student, entering the competition through your junior year.
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year, because this is the required qualifying test.
• Plan to complete high school and enroll in college full time.

Because qualification hinges on the PSAT/NMSQT, missing that test in your junior year means you cannot enter for that cycle. For that reason, register with your school early.

How to Apply for the National Merit Scholarship

There is no standalone application form to enter. Instead, follow these steps for the 2026 cycle:

1. Confirm with your high school counselor that your school offers the PSAT/NMSQT and register through them.
2. Take the PSAT/NMSQT during your junior year, since this score is what qualifies you.
3. Wait for your scores and any notification about advancing in the competition.
4. If you advance, complete any additional steps the program requests, which may include confirming your college plans.

Keep in mind the timing: because the qualifying test is taken in your junior year, you must confirm the exact test date for the 2026 cycle (confirm exact PSAT/NMSQT test date on the official website), as dates are set nationally. If you miss the test, you must wait for the next cycle. For questions, use the contact details listed on the official website, since a specific email or phone line is not provided here.

Official Website

You can find full details, current award figures, and test dates on the official site: https://www.nationalmerit.org/.