I have been told that I am in the running for a 2015 national merit scholarship this year and I am not sure what that entails at this point. Any help?
Are you a junior?
@madison85 yes I am!
http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php
What was your PSAT score and what state do you live in?
@Madison85 thanks for the link that was super helpful!! I got a 210 I believe and I live in Virginia. My principal said he got information regarding the fact that I am in consideration but I’m confused because i thought that shouldn’t have come until the fall.
http://survivingthecollegeapplicationprocess.com/national-merit-psat-qualifying-scores-class-2015/
With that score you would probably get National Merit Commended status (and not National Merit Finalist).
Commended is still something to be quite proud of- I believe that’s the top 1.5%!
Other posters may have more info for you.
Are you an underrepresented minority?
A 210 in VA isn’t likely high enough to make NMSF. Your principal likely got the message that you’re going to be a Commended Scholar.
You’re right, the NMSF’s aren’t announced until Fall (mid sept).
However, if you scored a 210, then you have what it takes to score well on the SAT (and maybe the ACT) and become eligible for scholarships THAT way.
If you’re an African American, then YES, a 210 is high enough for National Achievement! 
@mom2collegekids @Madison85 no I am not underrepresented but thanks guys so much for letting me know this!
Unfortunately no more National Achievement Scholarships anymore starting next year, just National Merit. OP did you know there is an entire National Merit board here? See above the Financial Aid board. Tons of good info especially go back to last year where last years hopefuls discussed this.
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Unfortunately no more National Achievement Scholarships anymore starting next year,
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Wow…is that true? Did NMCorp announce this??
@Rdtsmith thanks I’ll look into that!
Yes. The program will be moved to the Unitd Negro College Fund and will be used as scholarship money for current AA college students. Let me find the announcement.
The privately-financed program was started in 1964 to honor scholastically-talented black youth and has awarded $108 million in scholarships in its existence. The program, operated by the National Merit Scholarship Program, is merging with the United Negro College Fund and will begin to award financial assistance to high-achieving college graduates.
But then I just found this…so am now confused! https://www.collegeboard.org/releases/2015/college-board-announces-expansion-scholarships-students-taking-psat-nmsqt
Well, I hope it’s not discontinued. If you find out anything definite, please share.
I unfortunately can’t find the press release where I first read it. Another parent had mentioned it. I’ll try to search here on CC as I swear I posted the link.
Found this at the National Merit site; it is buried in a National Achievement press release dated April 8, 2015, under Press Releases on the right side of the NM home page.
http://www.nationalmerit.org/15_AchScholar.pdf
Transition of the Program
The National Achievement Scholarship Program will undergo a transition after the
conclusion of the 2015 program. NMSC is forging a new relationship with UNCF, the nation’s
largest and most effective minority education organization. UNCF will carry on the name and
legacy of the National Achievement Scholarship Program through a newly designed program
for college graduates. The new program, which will be administered by UNCF and underwritten
by the National Achievement Scholarship Program, will honor and award fi nancial assistance to
high-achieving, underrepresented college graduates.
So they don’t get the financial assistance until after they graduate college?
Well, I just hope that the colleges that offer generous NAF awards will still do so.
Thanks for finding that @mdcmom…I was starting to believe I had imagined the changes…wondering too if the individual colleges will still offer their NAF programs!