The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has released its 2025 National Merit Semifinalist List, recognizing the most exceptional high school students in the United States. These brilliant young minds have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and intellectual promise, exhibiting a deep commitment to intellectual pursuits and a relentless drive to achieve academic excellence.
The NMSC Semifinalist List is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of these young individuals. The students have excelled in rigorous academic coursework, consistently earning top marks in challenging subjects. Their intellectual curiosity and insatiable thirst for knowledge have propelled them to engage in extracurricular activities, research projects, and community service initiatives that showcase their well-roundedness and passion for making a meaningful contribution to society.
As the NMSC Semifinalists embark on the next phase of the competition, they will have the opportunity to submit a comprehensive application that includes their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and a personal essay. This application will serve as the foundation for the evaluation process that will determine the recipients of the prestigious National Merit Scholarships, which are awarded based on merit, academic potential, and leadership qualities.
2025 National Merit Semifinalists List by State (PDF)
The National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) is an academic competition for high school students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. Semifinalists for the 2025 NMSP were announced in September 2023, and represent some of the most talented and accomplished students in the United States.
The 2025 NMSP semifinalists list by state can be found here in PDF format. This list includes the names of allSemifinalists, their high schools, and their home states.
To qualify as a Semifinalist, students must score in the top 1% of the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which is taken by approximately 1.5 million students each year. Semifinalists must then submit a detailed application, including their academic record, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience.
Semifinalists who meet the additional requirements of the NMSP may become Finalists. Finalists compete for one of 7,500 National Merit Scholarships, worth an estimated $30 million annually. Scholarship awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study.
People Also Ask
How many students are named National Merit Semifinalists each year?
Approximately 16,000 students are named National Merit Semifinalists each year.
What is the acceptance rate for National Merit Semifinalists?
The acceptance rate for National Merit Semifinalists varies from year to year, but is typically around 15%.
What are the benefits of becoming a National Merit Semifinalist?
National Merit Semifinalists receive a number of benefits, including:
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