The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual 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 (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants. Based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, approximately 50,000 of the highest-scoring entrants, representing less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors, are designated as Semifinalists. To advance to the Finalist level, the Semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards. Approximately 15,000 Semifinalists are chosen as Finalists and receive a scholarship. The vast majority of Finalists receive the National Merit $2500 Scholarship, while some receive corporate-sponsored scholarships. Other Finalists may receive college-sponsored scholarships.
The 2025 National Merit Semifinalists by state list represents the top-scoring students in each state who have qualified for the National Merit Scholarship Program. These students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and are recognized for their outstanding performance. The list is an important resource for colleges and universities as they identify and recruit the most promising students for their institutions.
