National Merit Scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition for high school students in the United States. It is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

Scholarships are awarded each spring to students in their senior year of high school. Winners receive $2,000 per year for up to four years of college undergraduate study or until baccalaureate degree requirements are completed, whichever occurs first.

Eligibility:

Children of U.S. employees who meet all the requirements for the National Merit Scholarship program are eligible for the program.

October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT

Encourage your high school junior to register in late summer or early fall to take the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT, which is the qualifying test for the 2028 National Merit Scholarship competition sponsored by Corning. Students should review the 2026 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide and make arrangements with their school to take the PSAT/NMSQT. There may be a fee, though some students may qualify for fee reductions.

The PSAT/NMSQT registration process depends on whether your high school offers the test.

If your student’s school offers the PSAT/NMSQT:

1. Have your student contact the school counselor or testing coordinator.
2. They should ask:

• • When the test will be given
  • How to sign up
  • Registration deadline
  • Test fee

3. Each school usually handles registration directly rather than having students register through the College Board website.

If your student’s school does not offer it or your student is homeschooled:

1. Have your student contact the K–12 counselor at a nearby school to ask if they allow outside students to test there.