<p>What is the national merit scholarship. I see many people saying that they are national merit finalist. How do you become one. Can I get some more information on this?</p>
<p>You are automatically considered for National Merit when you take the PSAT during your junior year. If your score meets or exceeds your state’s National Merit Semifinalist cutoff, you are designated an NMSF in the fall of your senior year, and then you have to complete a couple more things (like writing an essay or two) before being designated a National Merit Finalist.</p>
<p>Oh ok I remember that when I took the PSAT. </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Hmmm, I think it would only one essay. And the topic was literally (if I remember correctly): “Tell us something else about yourself.” I could be making this up though, I wrote a lot of essays.</p>
<p>I just turned in my common app essay. It’s also extremely short. I can’t remember the word count, but it’s nothing to worry about.</p>
<p>Is there another way to still be considered for National Merit if I didn’t take the PSAT? I’m currently a junior but didn’t take it this year (meh, it’s a long story…), and only found out about all of this National Merit stuff in the last couple of months.</p>
<p>^Simple Answer: No.</p>
<p>That’s what I thought, but just wanted to make sure. Oh well. Thanks!</p>
<p>Supposedly, in April (this month) the Semi-finallists and Commended get to choose two schools to report their scores to.</p>
<p>Does anyone know when people will get notified of this or am I wrong to suppose this information?</p>
<p>Different schools do it at different times. This really means nothing because you can just put it on your application to all the schools, they don’t need an “official” report or anything. And you can change the school that you want to send your money too. AND schools get a list of the National Merit people, even if you don’t report it to them. Sooooo…I wouldn’t be too worried.</p>
<p>Notification was supposed to come in February/March. Also, colleges just get an autolist practically, and once they see your scores they’ll know.</p>