How to Qualify for the National Merit Scholarship

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​Standardized tests are used by colleges and universities as one part of the application process. Many high schools are utilizing the PSAT as a tool to measure student progress. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior gives you an opportunity to take a standardized test and see how you do, without having to worry that colleges or programs will see your scores. It’s also a great way to prepare for the regular SAT and it is the only test you can take (as a junior) to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

National Merit finalists could receive between $2,500 and full-tuition, depending on the kind of scholarship awarded. The three types include: National Merit $2500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards, and college-sponsored Merit Scholarships.

What can you do to be as prepared as possible for this important test? 

5 Steps to Prepare for the PSAT in October 

1. REGISTER for the PSAT at your high school. This test is scheduled by your high school, for a time in October. Be sure to register to take the test. Check with your school counseling office to be sure there will be room for you to take the test.
2. GET FAMILIAR with the PSAT. Look at the College Board website for information about what the questions are like in the PSAT, how long it is, and what to expect. 
3. PREPARE for the PSAT. If your high school does not offer a PSAT study group, get a group of your friends together and set a time each week to spend preparing for the PSAT. You will have more fun, and be less likely to shrug off the practice. 
4. Use RESOURCES to prepare for PSAT. Khan Academy, and other test prep resources offer practice tests, practice questions and personalized preparation for the test.
5. Start EARLY. Don’t wait until the week before to prepare. Start now (in September) to prepare for the test. 

Remember, the “P” in PSAT stands for practice. It’s just practice! So, if you miss the test date, do not worry. However, if you are a high-achieving student (all A’s), you can contact the PSAT/NMSQT administration to request information about retaking the test.

To qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist, you must be among the top one percent of all juniors in your state who took the PSAT. The National Merit website reports that “approximately 1.6 million students meet entry requirements, but only about 50,000 of the highest scoring students receive program recognition.”

Homeschooled students can take the test at a local high school or approved location. Contact the guidance counselor at the nearest high school to make arrangements.

Just as a reminder, seniors are encouraged to wrap up their SAT and ACT testing by December. Your test scores are a key part of your college applications, and colleges typically require you to submit test scores by their application deadline.

Here are the Fall 2018 test dates:

ACT
October 27, 2018: Registration deadline is September 28th
December 8, 2018: Registration deadline is November 2nd 

To register for the ACT go to: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration-information.html

SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests
November 3, 2018: Registration deadline is October 5th
December 1, 2018: Registration deadline is November 2nd

To register for the SAT go to: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register

Many graduating seniors have shared that if they could change one thing about their college planning they would spend more time using test prep to get higher scores and qualify for more merit aid! Studying for and taking the PSAT is the first step to help pay for college.

Hope you have a great week!

Credit: GuidedPath Guru

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