In February, some 15,000 Semifinalists are notified by mail at their home addresses that they have advanced to Finalist standing. All winners of Merit Scholarship awards are chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments.
The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test—which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.