<p>I wanted to know the difference between National Merit Scholar vs. National Achievement. Which is easier to get and if your the class of 2011, when do you get the letters saying you made it? Thanks</p>
<p>The National Achievement program is for African American students only; the National Merit Scholar program is for students of any race. The score cutoffs for the former are generally lower than those for National Merit Semifinalist. National Merit Scholar carries a modest financial reward, while National Achievement does not.</p>
<p>Some schools will give National Achievement Scholars the same big scholarships that they give to National Merit Scholars.</p>
<p>Will you be a NAS?</p>
<p>The highest scorers on the PSAT (most of whom STILL won’t receive the NMS) have already received letters informing them that they are eligible. If you haven’t received one already, you aren’t eligible.</p>
<p>National Achievement Scholar score cutoffs are generally much lower and thus much easier to receive. However NAS is reserved for African-American students only.</p>
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<p>Not necessarily true. I have not received one yet, for example.</p>
<p>^Okay.</p>
<p>Anyway, rahul99, unless your PSAT score was 400 points higher than your SAT score I don’t think you’re going to receive either.</p>
<p>silverturtle,
National Achievement Scholars can receive $2500 or corporate scholarships similar to National Merit Scholars. Also, the letters to the top 50,000 have already gone out. My D received hers about two weeks ago. You might want to check with your school.</p>
<p>^ Yes, thank you for correcting me. From the official Web site:</p>
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