Overview
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a highly competitive academic competition in the United States, established in 1955 by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The program aims to recognize and reward outstanding high school students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and potential. Each year, over 1.5 million students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), with approximately 50,000 students selected as semifinalists. Of these, around 15,000 students are chosen as finalists, with about 7,500 receiving National Merit Scholarships, totaling over $30 million in annual awards. The program has been the subject of controversy, with some arguing that it disproportionately favors students from affluent backgrounds. Despite this, the National Merit Scholarship Program remains one of the most respected and sought-after academic awards in the United States, with notable alumni including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and CEOs of major corporations.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1955
- Origin
- United States
- Category
- Education
- Type
- Organization