A competition run by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation that high school juniors enter by taking the PSAT/NMSQT. More than 16,000 high scorers are named Semifinalists on a state allocation basis, and those who meet further requirements, such as a principal endorsement and confirming SAT or ACT scores, can become Finalists. About 6,700 scholarships are offered in 2027, including $2,500 National Merit Scholarships and corporate- and college-sponsored awards.
Offered by National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Scholarship for high school students in USA. Format: Online. Cost: Stipend. Grades 11–11. Deadline: rolling or not yet announced.
Fields: Leadership
Info checked October 2026.
No date is posted for the 2026-27 cycle yet. Check the official page for when applications open.
Yes, and it pays participants a stipend or award.
High school students in grade 11. It runs online. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.
More scholarships for high school students