Frequently Asked QuestionsCompetition Steps
How does a high school student enter NMSC's scholarship programs? To enter the competition a high school student must take the PSAT/NMSQT® test at their high school or approved location in the specified year of high school and meet NMSC's published program participation requirements. See "Entering the Competitions" for further information. If a student took the PSAT/NMSQT® as a sophomore, does he/she need to take it again? Yes, if the student is spending the usual four years in grades 9 through 12. See "Entering the Competitions" for further information. Can a home-schooled student take the PSAT/NMSQT®? Yes, but the test must be administered at a local high school. Contact the principal or guidance counselor well in advance of the test day to make arrangements to take the PSAT/NMSQT at that school. What if a student misses the PSAT/NMSQT®? A student who misses the PSAT/NMSQT test due to illness, an emergency, or other extenuating circumstance, but meets all other requirements for NMSC program participation, may still be able to enter the competitions. See "Entering the Competitions" for further information. What should a student do if the PSAT/NMSQT® Score Report Plus indicates that entry requirements for NMSC programs were not met? Compare responses to the entry items on the student's score report to the requirements listed in the National Merit® Scholarship Program and National Achievement® Scholarship Program pages. Entry requirements are also listed in the PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide. If the student made an error or plans have changed, WRITE immediately to NMSC about it and NMSC will review the student's record. How many program participants are honored annually? A total of about 55,000 participants receive recognition in the National Merit® Program and the National Achievement® Program. When and how are students notified they are Semifinalists? Semifinalists are notified through their schools in early September. See the National Merit® Scholarship Program and National Achievement® Scholarship Program pages for additional information about each program. How does a Semifinalist become a Finalist? Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements, which are provided in materials they receive with their scholarship application and are also listed in the PSAT/NMSQT® Official Student Guide. These include completing an application, having a consistently very high academic record, writing an essay, being endorsed and recommended by a school official, and taking the SAT® and earning a score that confirms the PSAT/NMSQT performance. Click here to view the leaflet Requirements and Instructions for Semifinalists in the 2008 National Merit® Scholarship Program. Click here to view the corresponding leaflet in the 2008 National Achievement® Scholarship Program. (Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or above is required.) For more information regarding the SAT test, please visit the Web site of the College Board, which co-sponsors the test. When and how are Semifinalists notified if they have advanced to Finalist standing? Finalists are notified in early February by mail at their home addresses. See the National Merit® Scholarship Program and National Achievement® Scholarship Program pages for additional details. How does a Semifinalist/Finalist report a college choice or change? All reports of a college choice or change must be submitted in writing and require a signature. Complete and mail or fax (847/866-5113) to NMSC the College Choice: Report or Change postcard, included in the Semifinalist Packet, or download a PDF of the National Merit Program postcard or the National Achievement Program postcard. (Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or above is required.) The postcard PDF is interactive and can be completed, then printed, signed, and faxed or mailed to NMSC. Key dates for college-sponsored award consideration in the National Merit® Program are given in materials enclosed in the Semifinalist Packet. To view these dates, scroll to page 3 of the leaflet Requirements and Instructions for Semifinalists in the 2008 National Merit® Scholarship Program. (Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or above is required.) Page last updated September, 2007 |
 2007 Student Guide  2007 Annual Report  NMSC Corporate Brochure 
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