Every year, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognizes approximately 16,000 high school students as National Merit Semifinalists. These academically talented seniors have demonstrated exceptional academic promise and potential for success in rigorous college studies. They have scored exceptionally well on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and are now eligible to compete for approximately 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth over $30 million.
The selection process for the National Merit Semifinalists is rigorous. Students first take the PSAT/NMSQT as juniors. Those who score in the top 1% of test-takers nationally are designated as National Merit Commended Students. Approximately 15,000 of the highest-scoring Commended Students are then named National Merit Semifinalists. These students represent the top 1% of all high school seniors in the United States.
To advance to the Finalist level, Semifinalists must provide additional information about their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership abilities. They must also earn a qualifying score on the SAT or ACT. Approximately 15,000 Semifinalists will be named National Merit Finalists in February 2025. These Finalists will compete for the approximately 7,250 National Merit Scholarships, which include around 2,500 corporate-sponsored Scholarships and 4,750 college-sponsored Scholarships.
Unlocking Potential: Meet the 2025 National Merit Semifinalists
Reaching the pinnacle of academic excellence, the National Merit Scholarship Program honors the country’s most outstanding high school students. Among them are the distinguished 2025 National Merit Semifinalists, a remarkable group of young minds who have demonstrated exceptional abilities in the areas of English, mathematics, science, and writing.
These semifinalists embody the spirit of dedicated scholarship and intellectual curiosity. They have consistently excelled in their academic pursuits, earning top marks in rigorous coursework and demonstrating a thirst for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom. Their remarkable academic achievements are a testament to their hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
The semifinalists come from diverse backgrounds and represent a wide range of communities across the nation. They are students who have taken on leadership roles within their schools and communities, volunteering their time, actively participating in extracurricular activities, and making meaningful contributions to society. Their dedication to both academic and personal growth is a testament to their well-rounded development and their commitment to making a difference in the world.
Academic Achievements: A Showcase of Excellence
The 2025 National Merit Semifinalists have consistently performed at the highest levels of academic achievement throughout their high school careers. Their exceptional PSAT/NMSQT scores, which placed them among the top 1% of students in the nation, are a testament to their intellectual abilities and rigorous academic preparation.
These young scholars have excelled in a wide range of advanced placement and honors courses, demonstrating their mastery of complex subject matter and their ability to critically analyze and solve problems. Their academic achievements extend beyond the classroom, as they have actively participated in research projects, science fairs, and other extracurricular activities that have fostered their intellectual growth and creativity.
Academic Profile: A Glimpse into Excellence
| Average GPA | 4.38 | |
| Average SAT Score | 1500 | |
| Average ACT Score | 34 | |
| Percentage Taking AP/IB Courses | 98% | |
| Percentage with a 4 or 5 on AP/IB Exams | 85%Academic Excellence: Recognizing the Top High School Students———-### Top Performers Honored with National Merit Recognition ###The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has once again identified the most exceptional high school students from across the nation. These talented individuals have achieved outstanding academic success and demonstrated immense potential for future accomplishments. The 2025 National Merit Semifinalists represent the nation’s top scorers on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).### Rigorous Academic Backgrounds and Impressive Achievements ###The National Merit Semifinalists have excelled in a demanding academic environment. They have achieved remarkable grades in challenging courses and have participated in extracurricular activities that have complemented their academic pursuits. Their transcripts showcase a consistent record of high achievement, reflecting their dedication to learning. | Academic Accomplishments |
| Academic Accomplishments | Percentage of Semifinalists | |
| GPA of 4.0 or higher | 98% | |
| Scored in the 99th percentile on the PSAT/NMSQT | 100% | |
| Participated in advanced placement or honors courses | 95% | |
| Engaged in extracurricular activities | 90% | |
| Semifinalist | State | Future Aspiration |
| Jane Smith | California | Neuroscience Researcher |
| John Doe | Texas | Aerospace Engineer |
| Mary Jones | Florida | Physicist |
| Scholarship Type | Amount | |
| National Merit $2500 Scholarship | $2,500 | |
| Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship | Varies, typically between $500 and $10,000 | |
| College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship | Varies, typically between $500 and $10,000 | |
| Preparation Strategies | ||
| Identify strengths and weaknesses through practice tests | ||
| Focus on critical reading, writing, and math skills | ||
| Utilize study materials and online resources | ||
| Attend PSAT/NMSQT workshops or tutoring sessions | ||
| Time management and test-taking strategies | ||
| * Create a welcoming and supportive classroom atmosphere. | ||
| * Design engaging curriculum that connects to students’ interests. | ||
| * Foster active participation through group projects and presentations. | ||
| * Encourage curiosity and critical thinking by posing open-ended questions. | ||
| * Provide personalized support tailored to each student’s needs. | ||
| * Establish a culture of excellence with high expectations and clear feedback. | ||
| * Collaborate with colleagues, families, and the community to create a shared vision for student success. | ||
| Demographic | Percentage of Semifinalists | |
| Hispanic | 15% | |
| African American | 12% | |
| Female | 51% | |
| First-generation Students | 18% | |
| Type of Mentorship | Description | |
| Academic | Focuses on academic advising and course selection. | |
| Career | Provides guidance on career exploration and future goals. | |
| Life | Supports overall personal development and well-being. |