The National Merit Recognition Hierarchy
The National Merit Scholarship Program processes approximately 1.5 million PSAT test-takers annually through a four-level recognition structure. Level 1: Commended Students — approximately 34,000 students recognized based on a national threshold (not state-specific). Being Commended is prestigious and should be mentioned in college applications, but does not include scholarship money or advance to the scholarship competition. Level 2: Semifinalists — approximately 16,000 students selected based on state-specific Selection Index cutoffs. Semifinalists must submit a detailed application including academic record, leadership activities, essays, and teacher recommendations. Level 3: Finalists — approximately 15,000 of the Semifinalists who meet all requirements. Finalists are confirmed by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Level 4: Scholarship Recipients — approximately 7,500 Finalists who receive one of three scholarship types.