Scholarships sound very appealing when it comes to college admission. However, it can be complicated. According to the College Board, even though over 4.5 million high school juniors took the PSAT the previous year, only 7,500 were chosen as finalists for the National Merit Scholarship, which is less than 5% of the total. So, what does it mean to be a national merit commended scholar?
What is a National Merit Commended Scholar?
A National Merit Commended Scholar is a high school student who achieves exceptional scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognizes these students for their academic promise based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores. While Commended Scholars do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, their recognition places them in the top 3-4% of test-takers nationwide. This commendation is an academic achievement that can enhance college applications and open many doors for scholarship opportunities.
What is the PSAT?
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in the United States. It serves multiple purposes:
- Practice for the SAT: The PSAT is often considered a practice version of the SAT, helping students prepare for the format, timing, and types of questions they will encounter on the SAT.
- Scholarship Eligibility: For juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program. High-scoring students may become eligible for recognition and scholarships.
- Skill Assessment: The test measures critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills, providing feedback on areas where students may need improvement.
PSAT Test Structure
The PSAT consists of three main sections:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: This includes a Reading Test and a Writing and Language Test.
- Math: This includes questions on algebra, data analysis, and advanced math topics.
Scoring
- Each section is scored on a scale of 160 to 760, with a total possible score range of 320 to 1520.
- The scores are used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other recognition programs.
Administration
- The test is typically administered once a year in October, primarily to high school juniors, though sophomores and younger students can also take it for practice.
Performing well on the PSAT/NMSQT can open doors to scholarships and academic recognition, making it a significant milestone for many high school students.
You can experience what it’s like to take a standardized test with the PSAT. Your test results are not transmitted to colleges and do not affect your high school grades. Even so, you should treat this exam seriously. Your eligibility to be a National Merit Commended Scholar is based on your PSAT results.
What is the National Merit Scholarhip Program?
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition in the United States that recognizes and awards scholarships to high-achieving high school students based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.
This program is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and its main objective is to recognize and honor students who are academically talented and provide scholarships to help with college expenses.
The National Merit Scholarshop Program Selection Process
| October 2023 | U.S. high school students taking the PSAT/NMSQT® and meeting other requirements will enter the 2025 competition for National Merit Scholarships. Most participants will be juniors planning to start college in 2025. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) uses PSAT/NMSQT scores in Reading, Writing, and Math to identify 50,000 high-scoring students for recognition. |
| April 2024 | The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will send a list of 50,000 high-scoring students to high school principals. They will be asked to verify and report any errors or changes in eligibility for students qualifying for recognition in the fall of 2024. |
| September 2024 | Over two-thirds of the 50,000 high scorers will be named National Merit Commended Students or PSAT commended scholar. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will notify them through their schools and provide Letters of Commendation for their academic promise. Although Commended Students won’t continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some may be considered for Special Scholarships from corporate sponsors. |
| September 2024 | About one-third of the 50,000 high scorers will be named Semifinalists, representing the top scorers in each state. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will notify them through their schools and provide scholarship application materials with the requirements to advance in the competition for National Merit Scholarships awarded in 2025. |
| February 2025 | 15,000 Semifinalists who meet the requirements will be notified that they have advanced to Finalists and will receive Certificates of Merit. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be chosen from this group of Finalists based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments. |
| March 2025 | The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will notify winners of Special Scholarships provided by corporate sponsors. These recipients, selected from those who received applications in November 2024, are not Finalists but are outstanding students who meet the sponsors’ criteria. The sponsors will announce their Special Scholarship winners publicly. |
| March 2025 | the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will notify winners of three types of National Merit Scholarships:
(1) National Merit® $2500 Scholarships (2) Corporate-sponsored scholarships (3) College-sponsored scholarships In April, May, June, and July, NMSC will announce the names of Merit Scholar designees to the news media. |
National Merit Commended Scholar Requirements
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a national academic competition for high school students to win scholarships to pay for their college education. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) oversees its administration.
Students who perform well on the PSAT are eligible for the National Merit Program. The test’s full name is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, or PSAT/NMSQT for short. Don’t take the PSAT 10, an alternative that won’t count for the National Merit Scholarship, but the official PSAT/NMSQT instead.
High scorers may be named “commended students,” “semifinalists,” or (after submitting an additional application) “finalists” by the NMSC after receiving their PSAT results. About 7,500 students are chosen from the finalist list to receive scholarships.
To be eligible as a National Merit Commended Scholar, AdmissionSight has listed the three main requirements:
- The PSAT/NMSQT must be taken by students in the designated high school program year and no later than the third year of grades 9 through 12. Typically, this means that junior-year students should take the test in the fall.
- Secondly, applicants must be homeschooled or full-time students at a traditional high school. They must also have good grades and plan to go to college in the fall after graduating high school.
- Finally, to qualify, students must either be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in high school overseas or attending high school in the United States, the District of Columbia, or another U.S. commonwealth or territory.
The NMSC will use a few factual questions at the start of the PSAT/NMSQT to establish a student’s eligibility for the program.
National Merit Commended Scholar Cutoff
When is the National Merit Commended Scholar cutoff? Students who took the PSAT in October should refer to the cutoffs in the table below.
The complete list of Selection Index scores for National Merit Semifinalists is shown below.
| State | Selection Index |
| Alabama | 212 |
| Alaska | 210 |
| Arizona | 214 |
| Arkansas | 210 |
| California | 220 |
| Colorado | 217 |
| Connecticut | 221 |
| Delaware | 218 |
| DC | 223 |
| Florida | 216 |
| Georgia | 218 |
| Hawaii | 215 |
| Idaho | 215 |
| Illinois | 219 |
| Indiana | 214 |
| Iowa | 212 |
| Kansas | 214 |
| Kentucky | 212 |
| Louisiana | 213 |
| Maine | 215 |
| Maryland | 222 |
| Massachusetts | 220 |
| Michigan | 218 |
| Minnesota | 216 |
| Mississippi | 210 |
| Missouri | 213 |
| Montana | 207 |
| Nebraska | 212 |
| Nevada | 210 |
| New Hampshire | 213 |
| New Jersey | 223 |
| New Mexico | 208 |
| New York | 219 |
| North Carolina | 217 |
| North Dakota | 209 |
| Ohio | 216 |
| Oklahoma | 211 |
| Oregon | 216 |
| Pennsylvania | 218 |
| Rhode Island | 216 |
| South Carolina | 213 |
| South Dakota | 212 |
| Tennessee | 215 |
| Texas | 219 |
| Utah | 211 |
| Vermont | 213 |
| Virginia | 221 |
| Washington | 220 |
| West Virginia | 207 |
| Wisconsin | 213 |
| Wyoming | 207 |
| Average Score | 215 |
The bar was extremely high if you took the test in Washington, DC. You needed a score of 224 or above. The states with the lowest cutoffs, at 207, were West Virginia, North Dakota, and Montana. For all states, the average cutoff was 215;
If you haven’t taken the PSAT yet but want to be considered as a National Merit Commended Scholar, you should strive for a Selection Index score of 2–5 points better than the state-specific cutoff. Because qualifying scores can vary a little yearly, you should set your sights a little higher.
If you’re set on being a National Merit Commended Scholar, start by excelling in your classes and getting ready for the PSAT. As soon as you can, start. The summer is a great time to prepare for the PSAT because it is only offered once a year, in the fall.
What is in it for you if you become a National Merit Commended Scholar?
Being recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar or PSAT commended scholar is an acknowledgment of your academic excellence, placing you among the top 3-4% of PSAT/NMSQT test-takers nationwide. This distinction enhances your college applications, demonstrating your academic abilities and potential to admissions officers.
While Commended Scholars do not compete for National Merit Scholarships, they may be eligible for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses. Additionally, many colleges and universities offer their own scholarships and financial aid packages to students recognized as Commended Scholars.
As a Commended Scholar, you have opportunities to connect with other high-achieving students and academic programs, and some academic programs, summer camps, and enrichment opportunities consider National Merit recognition in their selection process. Achieving Commended status is a significant personal accomplishment, boosting your confidence and motivating you to continue striving for academic excellence.
Your school may also recognize your achievement, leading to local awards and honors, and this recognition is a valuable addition to your resume, highlighting your academic strengths for future educational and career opportunities. Overall, becoming a National Merit Commended Scholar provides valuable recognition and opens doors to various academic and scholarship opportunities.
What’s next for you?
If you didn’t make it past the National Merit Commended Scholar phase, there are still many steps you can take to continue your academic and personal growth.
Focus on Other Scholarship Opportunities
- Research Scholarships: Look for other scholarships that match your profile and interests. Many organizations, colleges, and private entities offer scholarships for various achievements and backgrounds.
- Local Scholarships: Explore scholarships offered by local businesses, community organizations, and civic groups.
Strengthen Your College Applications
- Academic Performance: Continue to excel in your coursework and strive for high grades.
- Extracurricular Activities: Participate in clubs, sports, volunteer work, or other extracurricular activities that showcase your interests and leadership skills.
- Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your unique experiences, strengths, and goals.
Prepare for Standardized Tests
- SAT/ACT: Prepare thoroughly for the SAT or ACT to achieve the highest score possible, which can enhance your college applications and open up more scholarship opportunities.
- AP/IB Exams: Perform well in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exams to earn college credit and demonstrate academic rigor.
Explore Internships and Work Experience
- Internships: Look for internships in fields that interest you to gain practical experience and build your resume.
- Part-time Jobs: Consider part-time jobs that can provide valuable work experience and help you develop important skills.
Continue Personal Development
- Passion Projects: Work on personal projects that align with your interests and showcase your talents.
- Learning: Take online courses or attend workshops to continue learning and expanding your knowledge in areas of interest.
Remember, being a National Merit Commended Scholar or PSAT commended scholar is already a significant achievement. Use it as a stepping stone to further opportunities and continue to pursue your goals with determination and enthusiasm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a National Merit Commended Scholar get a scholarship?
A National Merit Commended Scholar does not receive a direct scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). However, there are still potential benefits and opportunities available such as special scholarships and financial aid packages from private entities, colleges and universities. The recognition of being a Commended Scholar can also enhance your college applications.
Can you be a National Merit Commended Scholar more than once?
No, it is not possible to be a National Merit Commended Scholar more than once. The National Merit Scholarship Program is based on the PSAT/NMSQT, which students typically take in their junior year of high school. Recognition as a Commended Scholar is based on a student’s performance on that specific test. Since the PSAT/NMSQT is usually taken only once during the junior year, a student can only receive this recognition once.
Does NMSC provide a National Merit letter of commendation?
Yes, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) provides a National Merit Letter of Commendation to students who are recognized as Commended Scholars. This letter is given in recognition of their outstanding academic promise based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores.
The National Merit letter of commendation are typically sent out in late September of the students’ senior year. The letters are sent to the students’ high schools, and the schools then distribute them to the students. The letter acknowledges the students’ high performance on the PSAT/NMSQT and their placement among the top 3-4% of test-takers nationwide.
Is being a National Merit Commended Scholar good for college applications?
Yes, being a National Merit Commended Scholar is beneficial for college applications. It shows you are among the top 3-4% of PSAT/NMSQT test-takers, highlighting your strong academic ability. This recognition can make you a more competitive candidate and impress admissions officers.
Additionally, many colleges offer scholarships specifically for Commended Scholars, improving your financial aid opportunities. Overall, it adds a prestigious accolade to your application, helping you stand out.
AdmissionSight has helped students with their college applications for more than ten years. You can also look at our advice on standing out when applying for scholarships. To have a thorough discussion, scheduling an initial consultation with us is advisable.
