The prestige of the National Merit Scholarship is not only in the money for the scholarship but it is more than that. Still, it is one of the signs that can enrich your college application process and make you more desirable for many colleges. However, it also positions you with hundreds of scholars, the majority of whom later on get to great heights in their academic and career development.

Eligibility criteria 

It is important first to understand what the National Merit Scholarship Program is, before prefacing the details of this program. It was started in the year 1955 and its main aim is to identify and provide scholarships for academically gifted high school students in the United States.

Each year, around 5 million students participate in the test-taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Of these, about 50,000 students are awarded for their outstanding performance, about 16000 proceed to the semifinalist level, and 15000 of them are finalists. Finally, some 75% of the estimated 10,000 high school entrants receive National Merit Scholarships.

Several financial benefits are tied to the National Merit Scholarship

The financial advantages conferred with a National Merit Scholarship include; directly reducing your college costs. Here’s how:

Monetary Award

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation itself offers a fee, this is cash and can vary between $2500- $10000 depending on the scholarship granted. These can be utilized in paying for tuition, fees, and other costs incidental to acquiring education.

College-Sponsored Scholarships

Most institutions of higher learning provide extra scholarships specifically for National Merit finalists. These awards can be a few thousand dollars to full tuition making it possible for students to attend some of the most prestigious universities in the country on very reduced fees.

Explore College-Specific Scholarships

Check through the scholarships offered at the colleges and universities you prefer to see if they have other scholarships for finalists of the National Merit.

Some of the schools offer full-tuition scholarship options while others partly offer fairly good scholarships. It is for this reason that these awards can go a long way in being able to chip away at your total college costs.

Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships

Some of the key corporations and business organizations also fund the National Merit Scholarships. These are normally awarded to children of employees or to students who intend to undertake particular courses of study.

Apply for Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships

In case you are a child of a parent who works for a company that sponsors National Merit Scholarships, do apply for those scholarships. More so, pursue other scholarships under corporate sponsorship that may be relevant to your career field or your academic endeavours.

Increased Access to Financial Aid

National Merit Scholars usually have higher chances of winning other merit awards Scholarships and other financial assistance. It is also important to note that several colleges consider the National Merit status when offering institutional scholarships that can also bring the cost of your college down.

Maximize Financial Aid Opportunities

Scholarships that have listed National Merit status will benefit from the fact that your name will be among the list of students to benefit from the scholarship funds. Be sure to emphasize your accomplishment in applications and do not hesitate to apply for other sources of grants.

Opportunities for Paid Internships and Research

Certain institutions and some companies provide internships or research positions as paid scholarships to scholars that merit the National Merit name. These experiences serve as sources of income and as needed working experience in your areas of focus.

Leverage Internships and Research Opportunities

Another thing that a National Merit Scholar can do is grab any paid internships or research opportunities when they are availed. These experiences can improve your resume, give you exposure and networking, and give you a feel of the working environment in your field of specialization.

Maximizing the benefits of National merit scholarships

But that’s not the end of the trophy when one is awarded a National Merit Scholarship. Here’s how to maximize the benefits of this prestigious award:

Enhance Your College Applications

Scholarships such as the National Merit Scholars are major accomplishments that can enhance your chance of acceptance to a college. Make sure that this is published in the application essays and resume and do not neglect to mention it in the interview.

Showcase Your Achievement

National Merit should be used in college applications where students should emphasize the achievement by including it as one of the achievements acquired. Explain how this accomplishment demonstrates your scholarly skills, diligence, and passion for success.

Network with Other Scholars

Most colleges and universities provide special programs, honours colleges, or networking chances to the National Merit Scholars. Use these options to interact with other driven students and professors from the respective school.

Build a Supportive Network

If your school of choice has any program or honours college for National Merit Scholars enrol yourself in them. These programs mostly offer privileges regarding particular resources and services, social interactions as well as education-related options that can complement or improve your time in college.

Explore Leadership and Research Opportunities

As a National Merit Scholar, you should actively look for leadership roles, research arcades, and internships. These experiences can help to give you an excellent curriculum vitae and at the same time prepare you for the workforce.

Take on Leadership Roles

Do not miss a chance to take leadership positions you come across in class, in extracurricular activities, in student associations, or in research activities. This is an indication that your status as a National Merit qualifier can make you labelled as a leader and this can pave the way for you to be given new opportunities and experiences.

Plan for Graduate School

Since many students think about graduate education, national merit scholar status will help to improve fellowship/scholarship applications and grants for research. A lot of highly ranked graduate schools appreciate the academic achievements that are personified by National Merit Scholars.

Position Yourself for Graduate School Success

Therefore, the skills you should cultivate at your undergraduate level include good academic standing, acquiring research experience, and good relations with your lecturers or professors since they will write your recommendation letters. Being a student with National Merit status, it will be beneficial to obtain more competitive graduate programs.

Stay Connected with the National Merit Community

Most of the National Merit Scholars remain active members of the program and engage in activities initiated by the program. This can afford probative possibilities for gaining practical experience, attaching oneself to a mentor, and other helpful forms of personal and professional contact.

Join Alumni Networks

Some important things are; remaining an active member of the National Merit social circles and networks; some of which may include the National Merit alumni group and getting involved in different activities and programs. These contacts can prove helpful during your academic and/or career path and therefore, should be created and maintained.

Apart from being a scholarship, the National Merit Scholarship Program is much more than a way to pay for college; it is an acknowledgement of your achieving something great.

If you know about the basic qualification process and prepare for it in advance how the advantages of this much-coveted scholarship can help you shape your strategy for furthering your educational experience and your life in general.

As a freshman sophomore or junior or even getting ready for the PSAT/NMSQT remember that commitment, effort, and appropriate planning are what it takes to achieve this wonderful feat. You can read related posts on our news page of the site.