The top 1% of U.S. high school seniors are recognized yearly for excelling on the PSAT or NMSQT by being awarded the National Merit Scholarship. These scholarships typically range from $2,500 to $10,000 but can ultimately vary depending on the sponsor. The purpose of this award is to showcase academic achievement and prestige throughout the nation, highlighting students who are advanced on the preliminary SAT.

According to the National Merit Corporation, 1,300,000 high school juniors and undergraduate students annually take their school’s designated test. Following the release of scores, 50,000 students who excelled are notified; 16,000 of whom are eventually handpicked as semifinalists. Following the reception of their success, some semifinalists are able to become finalists after maintaining consistent exceptional grades, gaining teacher and employer recommendations, and submitting essays. Roughly 95% of semifinalists end up as finalists. Once the finalists are officially selected, their names are released nationwide to colleges, universities, and public media. 

  The origins of the National Merit Scholarship date back to its founding by President John M. Stalnaker in 1955. Since then, it has been granted to millions of scholars across the country, allowing for them to accomplish their goals. Yearly, above $33,000,000 is awarded to students by the group. However, the corporation does not work alone to provide the funds for this project. National Merit collaborates with colleges, businesses, and private donors alike to help fund the selected students’ college careers.  

Semifinalists are revealed in the fall following the year after the assessment, whereas finalists are announced nearly eighteen months after the test. According to the National Merit Corporation, in spring of 2025, around 15,000 finalists were announced. This means that over $37,500,000 was awarded. During October, just one Hudsonville senior was announced to be a semifinalist, further proving how particular the process of selection is. The competition continues to showcase its prestige, with its low acceptance rate and high standards.