The anticipation in the room was palpable as Lucas Foliart sat down at the desk. Rows of students, pencils poised and answer sheets pristine, were ready to embark on the challenge that lay ahead. This wasn’t his first time taking the PSAT/NMSQT but it didn’t feel any less significant. The clock on the wall ticked loudly, serving as a constant reminder that time was of the essence.
In the competitive landscape of education in the United States, the National Merit Scholarship program stands as a prestigious beacon of academic excellence. Each year, this program recognizes and rewards the country’s top high school students for their exceptional performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
The National Merit Scholarship program was founded in 1955 as a means to identify and support outstanding high school students. Over the years, it has evolved to become one of the most coveted honors for American students. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the eighteen month long competition begins with over 1.5 million entrants annually.
To become a National Merit Semifinalist, students must score exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, a test taken traditionally in sophomore year. From there, students with qualifying scores take the test again in their junior year. Those that score above their state’s cut off score are selected as a semi-finalist. In recent years, this has typically meant scoring in the top 1% of all test-takers. National Merit Semifinalists make up approximately 16,000 of the original 1.5 million entrants. It’s no small feat, and it requires not only an innate aptitude for test-taking but also a dedication to academic excellence. Foliart used a sundry of ways to prepare for PSAT/NMSQT.
“I did practice tests and there’s this guy named Justin Jones that I worked with.” Foliart said, “He helped me get prepared.”
Becoming a National Merit Semifinalist is just the beginning. After receiving this prestigious recognition, students must complete a detailed application, including an essay, in which they typically showcase their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community involvement. This application is an opportunity to demonstrate that they are not only top test-takers but also well-rounded individuals who are making a positive impact on their communities.
“To be a finalist you write an essay, you have to submit like an ACT score, and get recommendations.” Foliart said, “Then they tell you in February, if you’re a finalist.”
From the pool of Semifinalists, approximately 15,000 students are named National Merit Finalists. These finalists are eligible for various National Merit Scholarships, which are awarded to top students who have excelled in both academics and community involvement. The scholarships can range from a one-time monetary award to substantial, renewable scholarships covering their entire college education. The National Merit Scholarship Company states that recipients average between $2,500-$5,000 for most postsecondary institutions in the nation. Foliart intends to use the scholarship programs that are provided by the schools he will apply at.
“I’m gonna apply to OSU with it because I know they have a scholarship and then Arkansas has something and then Liberty University in Virginia, and then Georgia Tech.” Foliart said.
National Merit Scholars are the embodiment of academic excellence and dedication. Their journey, from scoring high on the PSAT/NMSQT to earning prestigious scholarships, is a testament to their hard work and passion for learning. These scholars are the future leaders, researchers, and innovators of our society, and their achievements are a source of inspiration for students across the nation, encouraging them to aim high and pursue their academic dreams.
“I have the application done.” Foliart said, “ I just have to wait and see what happens to see what doors open and just go follow that.”