Entering the Competitions
How to Enter
Students who meet published program entry/participation requirements* enter NMSC competitions by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) at the specified time in the high school program, usually as juniors. Each year’s PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test designated for entry to a particular year’s competitions. For example, the 2009 PSAT/NMSQT was the qualifying test for entry to competitions for scholarships to be awarded in 2011.
Registration for the test is by high school rather than individual student. Interested students should see their counselor at the beginning of the school year to make arrangements to take the PSAT/NMSQT at the school in October.
* To review the entry/participation requirements, go to the National Merit® scholarship program or the National Achievement® Scholarship Program pages.
PSAT/NMSQT® Scores Are Sent to NMSC
As cosponsor of the test, NMSC receives all PSAT/NMSQT scores and certain information students provide on their answer sheets. The score report shows the student’s Selection Index score (critical reading + mathematics + writing skills scores) and whether the student meets NMSC program entry requirements. An asterisk (*) next to the Selection Index means the student’s scores will not be used for entry. The Selection Index scores of students who meet entry requirements are used to designate high scorers to receive recognition. NMSC identifies Semifinalists and sends scholarship applications to them through their high schools. In both the National Merit®Scholarship Program and the National Achievement® Scholarship Program, students who qualify as Semifinalists and then meet academic and other standards to advance to the Finalist level will compete for scholarships. [Read the rest of this entry...]

