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National Merit Finalist - How to Win the Scholarship

PSAT Info and Strategies

Many students take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year. What a lot of students may not notice is the full name of the test is PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Thus, the PSAT is not just good practice for your SATs. It's also the first step in becoming a National Merit Finalist and hopefully, earning a $2,500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

In this article, we'll discuss what steps you need to take to become a National Merit Finalist and compete for a scholarship. We'll also give you advice on how to write a strong application and maximize your chances of becoming a National Merit Scholar.

Here's how the numbers break down:

Each year, about 1.6 million students take the PSAT. Of the juniors who take the exam, about 16,000 earn scores that qualify them as Semifinalists (that's around 1%). This group is narrowed down to 15,000, who become Finalists. Of this group, about 7,500 are awarded scholarships of $2,500 a year (that can be renewed each year you're in college).

This article will explain the three key steps you need to follow to win the National Merit scholarship, from meeting the entry requirements, to scoring well on the PSAT, to submitting a standout application.

Step 1: Meet the Entry Requirements

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) requires you to have a few qualifications to even be considered for the scholarship:

You must be enrolled as a high school student, progressing normally toward graduation.

You must plan to enroll full time in college starting the fall following high school graduation.

You must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident planning to become a U.S. citizen.

These requirements will be checked with a few questions at the beginning of the PSAT.

Step 2: Score in the Top 1% of the PSAT

Becoming a National Merit Finalist is competitive and requires a top score on the PSAT. Although it varies from state to state, most students must score above 1400 (out of 1520) to qualify as a Semifinalist, which means they can compete to move on to Finalist standing.

How can you achieve a top 1% score on the PSAT? Prepare with high-quality materials. Identify your weak points and work to improve them. If the Reading section confuses you, spend the majority of your time practicing those sections. If math isn't your thing, commit yourself to drilling PSAT Math problems. The National Merit competition uses a Selection Index that is based on your Reading, Math, and Writing test scores, so mastering all three sections is key.

Take control of your learning and study with practice questions and sample tests. This practice will also pay off later when you take the SATs in the spring of your junior year and fall of senior year.

For more info on prepping for the PSAT, check out our detailed guide to attaining National Merit Semifinalist status.

Step 3: Submit an Excellent Application

Complete the NMSC application requirements by fall of your senior year (usually early October). This application allows 15,000 of the 16,000 Semifinalists to move on to Finalist standing.

If you don't become a Finalist or don't qualify, you may still get word that you're a Commended Student or remain as a Semifinalist, which are great distinctions that will stand out on college applications. However, only Finalists are eligible for National Merit Scholarship awards.

The online NMSC application is the same as your college application in some ways and different in other ways.

Similarities

You must submit the following:

• Your academic record (transcript)
• SAT scores*
• Information about your activities and leadership roles
• A personal essay

*You have to take the SATs on approved dates, usually in the fall of your senior year, and make sure to send along your score report to NMSC. They need to receive your scores by December 31st of your senior year. While there is no strict cutoff for SAT scores, they must be competitive like your PSAT scores (usually around 1400 or above) so they know your PSAT wasn't a fluke.

Differences

• A recommendation from your high school principal or someone the principal designates as a school official
• Information about your school's curricula and grading system

Let's dig into each component to maximize your chance of building a strong application to win the National Merit Scholar title.

Academic Record and SAT Scores

The National Merit Corporation is first and foremost looking to award academic achievement. There is no strict cutoff, but a competitive GPA (3.5 and above) and high SAT scores (approximately 1400 and above) are recommended. Your academic record should also show that you challenged yourself with honors and AP classes. When you're a high school junior, there isn't much you can do about this, other than continue to excel in your classes.

Extracurricular Activities and Community Service

The NMSC is also looking at the skills and accomplishments shown in your application. Demonstrated leadership goes a long way--for example, leading in Student Council or other student organizations.

Your activities should reveal your passions and interests--it is usually better to show "depth over breadth." In other words, get deeply involved in a few activities you're passionate about rather than showing minor participation in every club, team, and organization your school has to offer. Almost all activities are valuable if they show your commitment, leadership potential, and ability to work with and help others.

Recommendations

Recommendations go a long way. Cultivate good relationships with your teachers, counselor , and principal and provide a "brag sheet" for them with the qualities and accomplishments you would like them to include in your recommendation.

Your brag sheet may include the following:

• What six adjectives best describe you?
• What do you consider your greatest accomplishment(s)?
• What are your strongest goals for the next five years?
• What is a meaningful experience you have had during high school?

These anecdotes will make writing a lot easier, and they'll thank you for this.

Make sure to ask for your recommendation at least three weeks in advance of the deadline, and follow up with your writer to make sure it'll be submitted on time. The earlier you notify them, the more ahead you'll be of your classmates, most of whom will need college application letters.

Personal Essay

The personal essay adds your voice to your application materials. Your essay is the place where you can share your unique story and perspective and make your application materials come to life.

Here is an example of a past National Merit essay question:

To help the reviewers get to know you, describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you. Use your own words and limit your response to the space provided.

The space allows for about 500 - 600 words.

You should focus on two important components of the essay. First, the NMSC wants to see that you can express yourself clearly and powerfully through writing . Make sure to proofread, edit, and revise for any spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or weaknesses in syntax and diction.

Second, your essay reveals how you think about yourself , your accomplishments, and your goals. What do your experiences mean to you? What do they reveal about your identity? Spend some time brainstorming before you decide what aspects of your identity are most important to share with the NMSC readers.

For example, did a group science fair project show you the power of collaboration in making new discoveries? Did a Student Council debate reveal the complexity of perspectives on a single issue? Did Lisa Simpson teach you the importance of sticking to your principles, even if your family may not always agree?

The topics are endless, and there is no best answer, but whatever you choose should reveal something significant about who you are . Once you have your first draft, ask a friend, family member, counselor, or English teacher for feedback on what worked and what didn't. It's a short essay, so make sure every sentence is there for a reason and important for telling your story.

In Conclusion

Staying motivated and committing yourself to all these goals will put you in the best position toward becoming a National Merit Finalist. Remember, only 15,000 students (< 1%) are chosen as Finalists, and of those, only about 7,500 students receive scholarships. On a percentage basis, it's even more competitive than getting into the Ivy League, so even with all your hard work, you'll still need a certain amount of luck!

NSMC notifies students if they have become finalists in February of their senior year. Scholarship notifications go out in March. By that time, most of your college applications will be done and submitted.

Now you just have to try to relax and wait for the decisions to come! If you complete all the steps mentioned above, you can be confident that you've done all you can – now hopefully the National Merit Scholarship Corporation will recognize all your hard work.

What's Next?

Want more tips on how to get a top PSAT score? Check out our guide on how to get a perfect PSAT score for all the info you need to know.

Are you striving for perfection on the SAT? Read our detailed guide by our resident SAT full scorer .

Aiming to get into a top-tier school? Check out our article: What's a good SAT score for the Ivy League?

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Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Jeff Widman

I enjoy hacking/optimizing systems. currently working as a software engineer focused on infrastructure/plumbing. founded/sold two companies., the magical 4.0–national merit finalist essay.

When I was a junior in highschool, I had to write a 500 word essay as part of the process of becoming a National Merit Finalist (remember the PSAT?). This is still o still one of my favorites:

——————————————————————————————–

The Magical 4.0

As I walked to the front of the class and began to read, I found it impossible to think; I could only read each word one at a time. It was the last day of finals, and I was presenting my narrative project to my English class. Only four days earlier, my dreams had been shattered. I had lost my 4.0. Struggling for an “A” throughout the quarter, it had come down to the very last test; I needed to get a 98. When the teacher returned my test, an 89.5 glared in red at the top of the page. Even more painful was the inner questioning that had immediately followed. My narrative project became my analytical tool as I struggled to make sense of my loss. Re-telling the event in the third-person, I shoved my emotions aside and asked the questions I previously had not dared to face.

As the quarter had progressed everything else had faded except this goal of maintaining my 4.0. Every spare moment had been spent studying Chemistry, or revising my World Literature essay. My friends had become strangers. Because I had been consistently going to bed after midnight, my performance in Track had suffered–I no longer had any chance of running in the State meet.

But how could I distill this experience into a narrative? Could I adequately describe the effort that had gone into my 4.0, or how close I had come to getting an A, only to see it pulled just out of my reach on the very last test? Would my audience even care? Would they understand how hard I worked for perfection, how I expected perfection–how I was used to perfection? Would they understand what it meant to lose perfection?

I labored over my narrative to shorten it–every time I started typing it would just grow and grow. The ending was the biggest challenge; it wasn’t until I started typing the last paragraph that I came up with the idea of a happy-ever-after ending, the ending I almost had, where I scored a 99 instead of an 89.5.

Not until after my presentation, as I shared my reflections on the experience, did I reveal to the class that I had really gotten the 89.5. Afterward my English professor would write, “This was one of my favorite moments of last year, Jeff. Maybe best of all was the brilliant move to have the ending different than what actually happened in your life, and then reveal that ‘real’ ending in your comments. The entire room was transfixed by your revelation; I could feel it. You both criticized yourself and elevated yourself by so bravely doing that.”

The contrast between the two endings–the dream and the reality–underscored what my narrative project had made me realize was my only question: Had I overvalued perfection? Even if I had achieved the 99, would my 4.0 have been worth so much sacrifice?

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Essay Writing Examples for Scholarships

With college tuition costs so high, gaining scholarships or financial aid is a crucial part of many students’ college plans. Often, the amount of aid or scholarships students receive can be the deciding factor in which school they ultimately attend. When you’re going through your scholarship search, you’ll find essay writing to be the main component of many scholarship applications. As such, reading essay writing examples can help you better understand the scholarship essay format. 

In this guide, we’re going to check out plenty of essay writing examples. In addition to discussing why our essay writing sample for scholarships worked, we’ll also:

• Compare the Common App essay to scholarship essays
• Look at how to write a scholarship essay
• Break down essay writing samples and topics
• Understand the scholarship essay format
• Give tips on how to write successful scholarship essays

Ready to get into our essay writing samples and learn some tips for writing scholarship essays ? First, let’s learn a little bit more about how to actually apply for scholarships and ultimately gain money for college. 

Applying for Scholarships for college

All essay writing examples can be helpful learning tools when you are applying to different scholarships. However, the type of essay you write will depend on the specific scholarship you’re applying to. As such, the actual scholarship search plays a crucial part in the scholarship essay format you’ll want to follow.

But, how do you actually find scholarships? Luckily, there is no shortage of scholarships websites to search. Some common college scholarships include:

• Full-ride Scholarships
• National Merit Scholarship
• Merit-based Scholarships
• Private foundation scholarships
• School-specific scholarships

In some cases, you may be automatically submitted for certain scholarships (such as school specific merit scholarships). However, more often than not, you’ll have to complete another application specific to the scholarship.

When you start your scholarship search, you’ll find information about how to apply on the scholarships websites. There you’ll learn if you need to interview, write essays, or complete any other requisites to be eligible. 

Completing scholarship applications

Applying to scholarships is quite similar to applying to college. You’ll want to make your best qualities stand out and cater your candidate profile to the specific scholarship at hand. You’ll see this in our essay writing examples and essay writing samples shortly. For need-based scholarships, you’ll also have to submit your family’s financial information such as your household’s annual income. And, just like when applying to college, you’ll have to do some essay writing. 

Of course, all of these requirements will vary depending on your scholarship search. Use your scholarship search to identify the scholarships that you are eligible for and are of interest to you. You’ll find all of the requirements, information, and often useful resources on the scholarships websites. Often, the separate application (if applicable) will be available on whichever scholarships websites you are applying through. The scholarship essay format will vary, which is why we’ve included various essay writing samples in this article:

• Scholarship essay examples about yourself,
• Scholarship essay examples about financial need,
• Even a scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship.

Prompts will vary depending on the scholarship. In general, you’ll want to follow the instructions, completely answer the prompt, and show why you’re the best candidate. 

Scholarship Essay vs. Common App Essay

You’ve probably heard plenty about the Common App essay—or maybe you’ve already written one!

The personal statement, or Common App essay, is an important part of the college application process. In fact, it’s similar to the scholarship essay examples we’re going to see later on. By that, we mean it is meant for applicants to show the reader who they are beyond grades and extracurriculars.

Essentially, your personal statement is the time to get personal and share why you’re a great fit for the school. It’s important to note, the Common App essay won’t focus on your financial needs. However, in your scholarship search, you’ll find plenty of scholarship essay examples about financial need. 

In a scholarship essay, you need to show why you’re the best fit to receive that money for college. Just as with the Common App essay, using anecdotes and finding your own writing style can enhance your essay. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure that you are following the requirements on scholarships websites. And of course, you’ll need to clearly answer the prompt. 

While some of our essay writing examples may even seem similar to the Common App essay, you’ll note some nuances. For example, students often demonstrate financial need and overcoming obstacles in these essays. Additionally, scholarship essays are often shorter than the Common App essay. They’re often under 500 words, as you’ll soon see in our essay writing samples.  

How do you write a scholarship essay?

If you can write a standout college essay, then you can write a scholarship essay too. However, you’ll notice our essay writing examples have certain qualities in common. Here are some things you can keep in mind in order to be among the winning scholarship essay examples: 

Be you and get personal

Self-reflection and personal growth play a huge part in our essay writing examples. You want to be authentic and genuine. Don’t try to write an essay you think the scholarship committee wants to read. Simply show them who you are. 

Answer the prompt and follow instructions

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to note! If you are required to write an essay of 500 words, don’t turn in one of 100. That probably won’t impress. And, be sure that while you’re showing your authentic self, you’re also completely answering the prompt you’ve been given. 

Tell your story

While it may seem open-ended, you’ll want to brainstorm the most meaningful possible topics based on the prompt. From there, you’ll need to hook your reader, then keep them captivated. If you’re still not sure how to do this, don’t worry. You’ll have a better idea of how to write a scholarship essay after we look at the essay writing examples.

As previously stated, there’s not necessarily one scholarship essay format. You can often get creative with your responses, just like the students who wrote our essay writing samples did. Just be sure to research the scholarships websites to see what they look for in candidates. Do they value certain qualities and skills in an applicant? Well, show that you have them! Our essay writing examples leave the reader with no doubts about the potential of the applicant. 

Now, let’s turn our attention to the first step of the writing process: brainstorming essay topics.

Scholarship Essay Writing Sample Topics

The topic that you choose to write about will depend on the scholarship you’re applying to. Scholarship essay prompts can be specific or open-ended. Consequently, scholarship essay examples about yourself can vary greatly. From scholarship essay examples about financial need to essays on a research topic, there’s a lot to cover. This is the case whether you are applying for a scholarship as a high school junior or as a senior. 

Luckily, we’re going to look at five very different scholarship essay writing samples and topics. The variety in the scholarship essay prompts will help you see how the essay writing examples vary. But, of course, don’t be surprised to find similarities among our essay writing examples. The goal of all of our essay writing samples is the same. Gain money for college and offset high college tuition costs. 

Across the board, students share personal stories that will help them stand out for the scholarship at hand. Often, these stories show accomplishments, growth, or demonstrate more about their backgrounds. Overcoming challenges is also a common theme that you’ll see among the essay writing examples. 

Scholarship Essay Writing Samples

Reading winning scholarship essay examples is an excellent way to kick off your own scholarship writing journey. You’ll notice plenty of variety within our essay writing samples. That’s because they have been written for various scholarships websites all over the country. Each has their own prompt and maximum word count. And, you may notice nuances within the scholarship essay format of each of our essay writing samples. 

In total, we’ll explore five essay writing samples. By the end, you’ll be on your way to cutting college tuition costs by writing your best scholarship essays. 

UCLA Merit Scholarship Essay Example

The first of our essay writing examples is for a specific school: UCLA . There are various UCLA scholarships available to students. Some UCLA scholarships are both merit and need based. At UCLA, you’ll submit a scholarship essay when you are submitting your regular application. This is often the case for school-specific scholarships. Usually, you’ll get your UCLA scholarships information and acceptance at the same time. 

The following is the first of our essay writing samples: a student response to the UCLA merit scholarship:

Essay Example #1: UCLA Merit Scholarship

As an artist, I’ve experimented with nearly every medium I can get my hands on: watercolor, oil pastel, soft pastel, charcoal, pencil, oil, acrylic, you name it. Through my artistic endeavors, I  discovered I have the hands of a designer.  

When I cook at the community center for our elders, I arrange scoops of mashed potatoes on  the plate like flower petals, placing a spoon between each “petal.” I’d leave leftovers for the community center staff who would comment, “Who did this? We have an artist!” Doing string art in Calculus AB, I stitched the Rolling Stones’ mighty tongue; making a cover page for a Civil  War project, I fused the Confederate and Union flags and struck lightning down the middle to portray the clash between two warring sides. 

During my junior year, I served as Viewpoint editor for the school newspaper. The Viewpoint section is more than writing and dealing with societal issues, such as gluttony and greed. Every issue requires a simple yet elaborate two-page design. Whenever I get to create, the gears  start turning: How do we design a page for gluttony? I know: we’ll use a Pac-man theme. We’ll feed Pac-man slushies, burgers, and fries (who doesn’t love a good slushy?). What about greed? Let’s throw a few dollar bills on a Monopoly board. 

I try to create balance in all of my works. “This is beautiful,” someone once said to me. “There  are a number of things going on through the foreground and background layers, but they’re  subtle enough that it doesn’t look too busy or crowded, and the central image provides a  strong focus.” Art and design teach me to find beauty in everyday life. I will leave my mark by making UCLA a more colorful campus while discovering even more about the world.

Why this essay worked

In the first of our essay writing samples, this student is showing us they are a stand out artist. By noting the ways in which the student intertwines artistic expression into their daily activities, their passion is clear. Like many other scholarships, UCLA scholarships are not easy to get. Students need to hook their readers with memorable details. The first of our essay writing samples also shows how unique and interesting this student is. How many people do you know that are crafting flowers out of mashed potatoes?

The best scholarship essays might touch on various points. This student used the opportunity to mention their relevant extracurricular activities: Viewpoint editor for their school newspaper. The student’s example shows that they not only are involved, but they are truly interested in the activity. They get excited about designing each layout. You can feel it in the brainstorming that the student has laid out on the page. 

This scholarship essay format is interesting in that the student uses quotes to highlight how her art has been received. Since they have been getting raving reviews, it makes sense to add them here. Indeed, you won’t find this tactic in the essay writing examples that follow. While it can be done well, in general, we recommend keeping your essays for UCLA scholarships focused on you.

Overall, the student’s abilities as an art and design major is obvious. Consequently, it’s clear that this student would bring plenty of color, creativity, and passion to the art and design department.

Scholarship Essay Examples about Yourself

Scholarship essay examples about yourself can encompass many different things. So, we’re going to look at two essay writing examples for this type of prompt. You’ll notice that both essay writing samples follow a similar scholarship essay format with a clear beginning, middle, and end. 

Essay Example #2: Personal Essay for Scholarship

I have always found the serendipity of life intriguing. There is no autonomy in where you are born,  when you are born, or to whom you are born. In my frequent musings, I have realized how unbelievable it is that I stand where I stand today. Yet, I also understand that, in large part, I have been able to achieve what I  have achieved because of the generosity of those who have supported me. Knowing, from my experience, how great initiatives like merit scholarship programs are and how much of a difference they can make in both the individual’s life’s and in society, I would be honored to be considered for this opportunity. 

The civil war in Colombia was my breeding ground. I was born into a low-income family in a volatile country. A family who became a victim of the FARC. Akin to what people glamorize in action films, my mother’s workplace was shot up in her attempted murder, but she managed to flee and lose those who were seeking her. My mother and I were on a flight to Florida that same day. My father, not ready to abandon his other many responsibilities, chose to stay behind at that time. Unfortunately, violence’s whirlwind caught up to him not too long after that.

From then forth, I grew up in a foreign country with my mother who, though working indefatigably, had her work cut out for her since she was undocumented, did not know any English, and had no money to her name. Witnessing my mother’s tenacity and bravery was the winnowing fan to the small spark within me. Knowing what we have been able to overcome, I thank  God for her strength and her words that helmed our collective ship. 

Coming from a low-income, first-generation, single-parent family has been accompanied by obstacles. A major one being a lack of awareness of how to tread the road towards success. This has driven me to work for a variety of community service organizations to help pave the road for people like me and for those that will follow, and I believe that this scholarship is among the most powerful tools to continue to allow me to do so.  

My life experiences have allowed me to have a diverse perspective on why certain populations are more vulnerable and what can be done about it. The responsibility is on our shoulders to, uplift those around us. Especially those who need it most. I would be forever indebted were I to be selected for this scholarship because I believe that it would grant me the tools necessary to dedicate my life to public service and be efficacious in it. To this point, I recognize that without the generous financial support I have received along the way I would not be able to stand where I stand today. It would be my honor and privilege to continue on  this path with the support of this scholarship.

This is arguably one of our most powerful essay writing examples. The writer shares so much about their personal life and background. Having lived in Colombia during the civil war shaped this student’s entire life trajectory. Indeed, their path has certainly not been easy nor one without tragedy. However, they have overcome many obstacles and are consciously working towards a path of success—whatever that might be. 

In the second of our essay writing examples, the author reflects on their life and looks towards the future. We know that they are involved in community service organizations. We also see that they are dedicated to a life in public service in order to help others. It’s not only a great essay, but a compelling life story. And, it is more than clear what this money for college will allow them to one day accomplish.

Now let’s take a look at another similar type of personal scholarship essay. The idea of sharing more about yourself is the same, but the scholarship essay format is different. You’ll see that this is the longest of our essay writing examples. Here is the third of our essay writing samples.

Essay Example #3: Kinecta Scholarship essay

It seems to contradict the very nature of the pandemic itself to say that one of the best and richest unexpected upsides has been my ability to form and enrich my connections and relationships with others. Yet, I found myself crying of sheer joy while sitting at my kitchen table in New Haven on one humid night last August because despite being completely alone in my apartment for two weeks, I had finally returned home….virtually. 

I was raised in Los Angeles, which I am proud to call my hometown for many reasons. The weather is unbeatable and the food is amazing, but the most personally meaningful part of growing up in LA has always been my involvement in the Japanese American ethnic enclave community. It’s difficult to concisely explain the enclave, which is an intergenerational hub of identity, culture, and history, but the short version is this: when Japanese laborers first migrated to the West Coast in the late nineteenth century, they were systematically excluded from many different spaces, from hospitals and banks to basketball leagues.

As a result, community members built their own institutions to support each other, many of which continue in the present. I participated in everything from a Japanese American softball league and Girl Scout Troop to pre-school and summer programs. These institutions, and the people who built them, have truly molded me into the person I am today. 

Racial discrimination today isn’t as legally encoded the way it was when my parents and grandparents were growing up (we aren’t, for example, banned from playing sports or buying houses). However, there is an enduring light and strength that comes from connecting with others who share culture and histories. It’s the little things, like people pronouncing my name correctly and sharing my favorite foods. It’s the big things, such as understanding when I say “camp” I’m referring to my family’s unlawful incarceration during World War II and not cabins in the woods. And of course, it’s everything in between: the glowing lanterns at our summer Obon festivals, the friends I made at the age of three who I’m still close with today, and the feeling of being safe and protected. 

I began to understand how much effort and struggle went into preserving our community, from fighting gentrification to ensuring equitable resource allocation, in high school, through my involvement in the Japanese American youth leadership organization Kizuna. Having community support was particularly important as I started to experience more racism as a Japanese and Black queer and non-binary person in academic spaces in particular, which were saturated with toxic competition over the college application process. Seeing the ways in which racism affected both Japanese and Black bodies, including my own, made me determined to pursue public health and race on the biggest stage possible, which led me across the country to Yale’s combined Bachelor’s/Master’s in Public Health program. Now, I’m completing my fifth and final year of studying just these issues next fall. 

I love Yale and I have absolutely no regrets in choosing this school for my undergraduate and graduate education. From conducting unprecedented research on the role of medicine in perpetuating the trans-Atlantic slave trade to engaging in statewide and national HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns, Yale has academically and professionally given me everything I could have hoped for and more.

I’ve also found rich forms of community and deep friendships, particularly in Asian American and Black spaces; the ability to, for example, organize the largest undergraduate-led Black identity conference in North America was actually one of the big reasons I chose Yale in the first place. However, there are very few Japanese Americans in the Northeast, and most of my friends and family were still in Los Angeles. As time went by, it was hard to stay in touch with them, and the community more broadly, especially because almost everyone else was still together while I was not.

As a result, I returned home to California less and less over the three years I was enrolled at Yale pre-pandemic. I would blame it on the time, the inconvenience, and the cost, but in reality it was because coming home was too painful when I was faced with the knowledge that I had to leave again. However, all of that changed with the pandemic. While we are all tired of Zoom, the platform has allowed us to transcend time and space, and this year the distance between Connecticut and Los Angeles was compressed in new and gratifying ways.

This fall, I was able to participate in community meetings, attend Sunday morning temple service, and have fun at mixers and game nights for the first time in years. I even made new friends, one of whom is now the person I text the most everyday. The cherry on top was virtually volunteering as a summer sleepaway camp counselor, which I hadn’t been able to do in three years prior because the camp’s in-person dates normally conflict with Yale’s academic calendar. This was such an unexpected bright spot in a very difficult season that I indeed ended up dissolving in (good) tears at my kitchen table, isolated in my apartment for arrival quarantine, but far, far from alone. 

After finishing my cry, and in the months that followed, I realized the pandemic has more broadly given me a sense of enhanced gratitude for these opportunities, and for everything in my life. When tomorrow seems more fleeting and uncertain than ever before and our movements and actions are painfully restrained, the small joys become all the more wonderful: good food, laughter with friends, and a new favorite song can brighten days that so easily can descend into darkness. I also realized, in large part through getting to spend more time engaged with my community, that life is really too short to spend all of my time trying to be “perfect.” While I’d let go of some of the perfectionistic tendencies I developed in high school over the course of college, I still prioritized academic and professional obligations over friends, family, and sleep pre-pandemic.

However, it became increasingly difficult over the course of 2020 to continue this inherently unsustainable pattern, and I realized that I really needed to change my outlook on life in order to get anything done at all. In part because of increased community support, I slowly became braver and bolder about saying “yes” to the things that I actually wanted to do without feeling guilty. Many of those “yes”-es were to community activities, but some of them were also to enjoying time with my podmates, watching silly TV shows, and just taking time to rest. 

To my wonderful surprise, I’ve actually produced better academic work as a result, including my thesis on Japanese American healthcare providers. This couldn’t have come at a better time, because work at the axis of race and public health seems more relevant than ever. COVID-19 infection and care disparities, Black Lives Matter, and the surge of violent anti-Asian racism have raised important and long overdue conversations surrounding racism in all spaces. As seen in Atlanta this week, our lives and communities are constantly threatened by harmful and reductive constructions of Asians as “diseased,” which has made community spaces of healing more necessary than ever. I’m beyond thankful even though the pandemic has incited much of this violence, it’s also provided broader access to the people who stand with us when this violence does happen. 

When we gather together, even over Zoom, we are reminded that this is not the first time our community has endured such hate. The history of our community’s resilience against incarceration, deportation, and alienation gives us strength to combat these issues today, and shows us we don’t have to endure them alone. We can also organize with each other and make connections across communities to collectively enable a better future for all of us. For me, that future will most certainly involve eating at Little Tokyo restaurants and going back up to sleepaway camp for real. For now though, these pockets of cross-country Zooming give me enough joy and strength to keep imagining, wishing, and working to create that reality.

The third of our essay writing examples is for the Kinecta Scholarship. The Kinecta Scholarship is for outstanding students that are active in their communities. This writer does an excellent job of showing how important community has been and will continue to be to them. And how their unique experience has led them to choose to study a combined Bachelor’s/Masters in Public Health at Yale. 

Through this narrative, we see the student’s unwavering dedication to their communities. As a Japanese and Black queer and nonbinary person, they’ve personally experienced the effects of racism in the academic world. During the pandemic, this student also witnessed the obvious racism felt among their communities. However, in their essay, they show how these lived experiences have motivated them to excel in their academic ventures.

It is obvious from this essay that community is at the forefront of this person’s values. The third of our essay writing samples perfectly caters to the scholarship to which they’re applying. And, the writing is as honest and personal as it is thoughtful and well written.

Scholarship Essay Sample about “Why I deserve this scholarship…”

When applying to scholarships, you might find that they simply want to know, why you? The next of our essay writing samples does just that. Let’s take a look at a scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship. 

Essay Example #4: Merit Scholarship Essay

The motivation I have had to create a successful and happy life for myself is something I will always be grateful for. In the face of the adversity that I have had to experience being a child of two immigrants who did not understand English and were unable to help me with my school work when I was younger, as well as a minority in a world full of people that do nothing but doubt those who they consider different from them, I am proud to say that I have never let anything get in the way of me doing everything that I can to continue achieving my goals.

Throughout my life, I have come across individuals who do not share the same drive to succeed that I do and attempt to convince me that what I care about does not matter, but it has never stopped me from being my true self. In fact, these challenges have done nothing but motivate me to work even harder in order to prove to myself and to others that with determination and hard work, anything is possible no matter where you come from. 

My main motivation to continue succeeding in school and in life has always been my family. My family has worked so hard to give me a comfortable and happy life and the only way that I feel that I can properly repay them is to continue making them proud through my achievements. The happiness that I have been able to give them throughout my middle school and high school years by simply handing them my report card every quarter and inviting them to my award ceremonies is something I will eternally be glad that I was able to do. In the future, I hope to give them this same happiness by inviting them to my college graduation and allowing them to see the wonderful job they have done as my family and support system. 

Although I have always been determined to become successful, I was not always sure about the path that I was going to take in order to make this happen. However, this changed the day my mother suffered a severe Transient ischemic attack (aka a mini stroke). My mother was losing feeling on the right side of her body and temporarily lost her ability to speak. When we took her to the hospital, I sat by her side until I was kicked out by a staff member at Good Samaritan Hospital when visiting hours ended.

This day is one I’ll never forget, and this obstacle was able to bring out a side of me I never knew I had. Watching the doctors and nurses do their jobs and apply their knowledge to help my mother and the people around us absolutely amazed me. I thought to myself that if I was one of these people, I can come to work every day to help other human beings and bring relief upon not only my patients, but the loved ones by their side. From this day forward, a career in medicine is one that continues to intrigue me.

Since then, I’ve volunteered in hospitals to get a feel for a hospital’s environment and to learn about healthcare careers and the way patients were treated, and have attended presentations that have been offered at my school of individuals talking about their healthcare careers and experiences. When I think of my future, I cannot think of one that is better than being a PA in pediatrics and waking up every day to interact with and help patients. The idea of being able to apply my knowledge to help others is one that I absolutely love, and one that I greatly desire to bring to life. 

Through doing things such as volunteering in soup kitchens, tutoring, and helping others out with the college application process, I uncovered that one of the things I love doing most is helping others. I get so much happiness from knowing that I was able to make someone feel better and put a smile on their face through my actions, and I cannot wait to continue doing so for the rest of my life. I believe I should receive a scholarship award not only to aid me through this college journey that awaits me after high school, but also because I intend to utilize the knowledge I will acquire throughout my journey to improve the lives of those who I will be fortunate enough to help throughout my life as a PA.

This is an excellent scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship. Of course, as you might have noticed, the student doesn’t directly address the prompt until the conclusion. Instead, they use various examples and give more about their background in order to show the reader why they deserve the scholarship. The adage, “show, don’t tell” applies to all of your essay writing—even for scholarships! You’ll notice all the writers of our essay writing samples immerse the reader in the narrative.

We learn so much about this applicant through their essay. The best scholarship essays will allow the reader to feel as though they really get to know the applicant. From this scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship, we know the writer has overcome many challenges in their life. Not only are they a minority and child of immigrants, but they also had to face a traumatic event when their mother had a mini stroke. However, the applicant shows that time and time again, when faced with difficulties, they are able to overcome and go on to excel. Overcoming obstacles is often a prevalent theme in scholarship essay examples about yourself, and even scholarship essay examples about financial need. 

After reading the fourth of our essay writing examples, it is clear how motivated, determined, and passionate the applicant is about their success. Reading this scholarship sample about why I deserve the scholarship, we also learn they have a clear career goal: becoming a PA in pediatrics. And this is all demonstrated in the narrative and accompanying details. In the end, there is no doubt in the reader’s mind that this student will succeed in college and beyond. 

More scholarship essay writing examples

The last of our essay writing samples is for a specific scholarship for students who capture the spirit and vision of Martin Luther King Jr.. This scholarship is for students from an underrepresented ethnic or racial group. Here is the last of our essay writing examples for scholarships: 

Essay Example #5: Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarships 

My school of 120 kids per grade consists of a large disparity between the percentages of races in CP, Honors, or AP classes. In honors and AP classes, students were predominantly asian or white, while a majority CP students were black and came from economically disadvantaged families. CP students pointed out the lack of enthusiasm teachers radiated compared to higher level classes, making it difficult for students to stay engaged.

Additionally, while AP students got one on one feedback on their college essays, honors and CP students’ essays were only reviewed as an assignment grade and given minimal commentary. Many CP students fell into a state of learned helplessness, not understanding how it was possible for them to improve with the lack of resources. These students are less likely to enter a university that is more likely to offer them a higher paying job, and thus the divide of racial disparities continues in an endless cycle: the rich becoming richer and the poor staying where they are. The public then adapts a stereotype threat that puts them to more of a disadvantage.

These issues are rooted from racial injustice, economic wage gaps, and family environments. The MLK program offers learning opportunities that covers all aspects of this issue. Specifically, I’d like to discuss with the faculty, participate in research, and see how we can adapt our system to supply the resources needed. Education should be an even playing field for all. Everyone should have an equal chance to thrive.

The last of our winning scholarship essay examples is much shorter than the others. However, the limited word count does nothing to affect the quality of the writing. In under 250 words, we learn a lot about the writer, specifically their passion for equality and justice. 

In the last of our essay writing samples, the writer uses an excellent example. Their essay is about something that they have personally observed and experienced in order to make a larger point. They compare high school classes to the social and economic injustices of the real world. In using this example, the writer explores how deep systemic racism runs within their lived experiences. They are acutely aware of the injustices experienced by their peers and themselves. They describe their observations of the varied quality in education in their own high school.

We can see the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. in this student through their determination to fight for equality, starting with education. This scholarship essay format is different from the scholarship essay examples about yourself or the scholarship essay examples about financial aid. In just a single paragraph, the student shares their experiences, observations, and passion for the topic at hand. While this isn’t specifically a scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship, the student is able to show just that without directly stating it. 

Understanding scholarship essay format

There are many types of scholarships available to students trying to manage their college tuition costs. As you start your scholarship search, this will be evident. As will the fact that there is no set scholarship essay format, as every prompt will be different. However, the best scholarship essays will highlight applicants’ qualities and accomplishments that coincide with the values of the scholarship they’re applying for. 

Beyond different prompts, the application process itself may look different across scholarships. So, let’s take a look at two popular scholarships with their own unique application processes.

Gates Scholarship

One well-known scholarship from a private foundation is the Gates Scholarship . This is a minority and merit-based scholarship. As one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world, receiving this scholarship is difficult—the acceptance rate is less than 1%. However, for 300 selected students, the Gates Scholarship covers the full cost of college. This scholarship doesn’t require an essay, but does have an interview. Even without an essay, you can use our featured essay writing samples as inspiration when creating your resume. You should use every aspect of your application to tell a compelling narrative!

Questbridge Scholarship

Another popular, full-ride scholarship is the QuestBridge Scholarship . This is a scholarship for high-achieving, low-income students. Students apply through QuestBridge to participating institutions. If “matched” with one of them, students must accept the offer. The application is similar to a regular college application. In fact, the QuestBridge essay is extremely similar to the Common App essay. While the QuestBridge prompt can change yearly, it usually asks students to write about how they’ve overcome challenges—similar to many of the essay writing examples we’ve seen in this article. 

Overall, scholarship essay prompts will determine the scholarship essay format. Keep in mind that when applying to scholarships you want to highlight the qualities that the scholarship most values while answering the prompt. Be sure to include personal anecdotes and specific experiences. Remember that this essay should be unique to you! Stray away from clichés and generalities. 

Tips for scholarship essays

Being prepared is the best way to gain scholarship money for college. Reading winning scholarship essay examples and essay writing samples is an excellent way to start your writing process. Let our essay writing samples inspire you to tell your story in a way that’s authentic to you, answers the prompt, and highlights you as the best possible candidate. 

We looked at various types of essay writing examples in this article: scholarship essay examples about yourself, scholarship essay examples about financial need, and a scholarship essay sample about why I deserve the scholarship. However, CollegeAdvisor has plenty more resources if you want to see more essay writing samples, best scholarship essays, and scholarship essay prompts. 

Looking at other essay writing examples is a great first step towards learning how to write winning scholarship essays. CollegeAdvisor has plenty of guides with essay writing samples of personal essays , short essays, and more! Here are some more scholarship essay writing examples. And, be sure to check out these guides on how to win various merit-based scholarships . 

Essay Writing Examples for Scholarships – Final Thoughts

In this article, we’ve had the opportunity to see five outstanding essay writing examples for scholarships. Through these essay writing examples, we saw how important it is to be your authentic self. Every one of our essay writing samples allowed us to better understand the writer and why they deserve the scholarship. Hopefully, these essay writing samples have inspired you to start your own!

If you’re looking for support with finding and applying to scholarships, don’t hesitate to reach out. The experts at CollegeAdvisor have helped thousands of students and families navigate the college application process—including helping students applying to scholarships and financial aid.

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, national merit scholarship essay tips.

Hey folks, I was wondering what goes into writing a successful national merit scholarship essay. Do you guys have any tips or advice on what to focus on and how to make my essay stand out?

Hello! Writing a successful National Merit Scholarship essay can indeed be quite challenging since you're competing with many top students. Here are some tips that can help make your essay stand out:

1. Be authentic: Showcase your unique perspective, experiences, and values. Don't try to fit into a mold or mimic someone else's story. Your genuine voice will resonate more powerfully with the evaluators.

2. Focus on your impact: Highlight specific instances where you made a positive impact on others or your community. This could include volunteer work, leadership roles, or meaningful projects.

3. Showcase intellectual curiosity: Demonstrate your love for learning, whether it be through academic achievements, extracurricular activities closely tied to your interests, or pursuing knowledge beyond the classroom.

4. Address the prompt directly: Ensure that you answer the prompt fully while weaving in your personal story. Give examples that are relevant to the topic and support your claims.

5. Be concise and well-organized: Stick to the word limit and organize your thoughts into a clear, coherent structure. This shows evaluators that you can express yourself effectively and efficiently.

6. Be introspective: Reflect on the experiences you share and explain how they shaped you, what you learned, or how they influenced your goals and aspirations.

7. Edit and revise: Make sure your essay is polished and free from typos, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasings. You may also want to ask a teacher, counselor, or another trusted person to review and provide feedback.

8. Avoid clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases or ideas. Strive to offer fresh insights and perspectives to make your essay memorable.

For example, instead of writing about how a community service project opened your eyes to the importance of giving back, you could discuss a specific event during the project that affected you deeply and inspired you to take action beyond that single activity.

Remember, evaluators read thousands of essays, so it's essential to make your story stand out while adhering to the tips above. Good luck with your National Merit Scholarship essay!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

The Admissions Strategist

National merit scholarship (how to win it): the winner’s guide.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for scholarships and recognition that started in 1955.

Each year, approximately 7,500 Finalists receive scholarships. About 1,100 outstanding National Merit participants who are not Finalists also receive Special Scholarships annually.

Some colleges even offer free tuition or full-ride scholarships to National Merit Finalists.

Scholarship money is always great, but it isn’t the only benefit to the National Merit program. Becoming a National Merit Finalist is a prestigious honor that can give your chances of college admission a major boost.

So, how can you reap the benefits of becoming a National Merit Finalist? Read this guide to learn everything you need to know!

Odds of Winning a National Merit Scholarship

Before we get started, you should know that earning a National Merit Scholarship is even more competitive than earning acceptance to an Ivy League college.

• Millions of students take the PSAT each year. About 16,000 students become Semifinalists, and 15,000 become Finalists.
• Of the Finalists, about 7,500 receive scholarships.

Of course, even if you don’t win a scholarship, becoming a Semifinalist or Finalist is a great honor.

It can make you a more competitive college applicant and earn you additional scholarship money from some colleges.

So, let’s find out how to increase your chances of success.

How to Enter the National Merit Program

Entering the National Merit Program is simple: Take the PSAT (formally known as the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) during the fall of your junior year in high school.

The test is usually administered in October.

Click above to watch a video on how to win the National Merit Scholarship.

If you meet certain qualifications, taking the PSAT/NMSQT automatically enters you in the National Merit Scholarship competition.

These qualifications are:

• Being enrolled as a high school student who is progressing normally toward graduation
• Planning to enroll full-time in college the fall after you graduate from high school
• Being a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident who plans to become a U.S. citizen

On your PSAT test form, you will answer four questions that determine whether you meet these requirements.

Next Steps: Qualifying for Scholarships

Of course, taking the test is only the beginning. To continue through the competition, you’ll need to:

• Score in the top one percent of PSAT test-takers
• Find out if you’re a Semifinalist or a Commended student
• Complete an application (if selected as a Semifinalist)
• Submit SAT scores
• Find out if you’ve qualified for scholarship(s)

Let’s take a closer look at each step of this process.

Score in the Top One Percent

After you take the PSAT, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) receives and reviews scores.

• If you meet the basic qualifications described above, they look at your Selection Index .
• The Selection Index is calculated by doubling the sum of your Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics scores.

About 16,000 high scorers become Semifinalists.

• This represents less than one percent of test-takers, meaning you’ll need to score in the top one percent to qualify as a semifinalist.

However, scores are considered on a state-by-state basis, so that students from across the nation have a chance to qualify.

Students often ask what score they’ll need to become a Semifinalist. This is hard to answer, because it varies from year to year. It’s usually somewhere around 1400.

For more information, you can call the NMSC at 847-866-5100 and ask about the previous year’s cutoff in your state.

Get personalized advice!

Receive notification of semifinalist/commended status.

You’ll have a long wait before you find out if you’ve achieved Semifinalist status.

In late September of your senior year, about 34,000 students receive a Letter of Commendation. Commended Students are based on a Selection Index score that is slightly lower than the Selection Index score needed to become a Semifinalist.

• Commended students don’t continue in the competition, but some do receive Special Scholarships.
• It’s also something positive to mention on your college applications.

An additional 16,000 students are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists, usually in early September. All Semifinalists will receive application materials from NMSC through their schools.

Complete an Application

To advance from Semifinalist to Finalist, you will need to complete the NMSC application. 15,000 of the 16,000 Semifinalists become Finalists.

These applications are usually due in early October. The application is similar to a college application.

It includes:

• Information about your activities and leadership roles
• A recommendation letter from the principal or a school official designated by your principal
• Information about your school’s grading system and classes

To become a Finalist, you must:

• Have excellent academic performance all four years of high school (preferably a 3.5 GPA or higher)
• Have SAT scores that “confirm your PSAT performance”
• Continue meeting basic qualifications, including being enrolled in the last year of high school and planning to enroll in college in the fall

In the “Tips” section at the end of the article, we’ll discuss how to put your best foot forward with an impressive application.

Submit SAT Scores

SAT scores are part of the NMSC application. You’ll have to take the SAT on approved dates, usually during the fall of senior year.

• The NMSC must receive your scores by December 31 of your senior year.
• Although the NMSC doesn’t give a specific cutoff score for the SAT, they do say that your score should confirm your PSAT score.

Basically, your score should be close to your PSAT score to demonstrate that your PSAT performance wasn’t a fluke. You should aim for around 1400 or better.

Qualify for Scholarships

In February, about 15,000 Semifinalists receive a letter that they have advanced to Finalist standing.

Your high school principal will receive a certificate and present it to you.

From the Finalist group, winners of Merit Scholarships are selected. These selections are based on abilities, skills, and accomplishments.

Between March and mid-June, 7,500 Finalists learn that they have been awarded Merit Scholarships. There are three types of scholarships:

• National Merit $2500 Scholarships: Every Finalist is considered for these single payment scholarships, which are awarded on a state-by-state basis. Selections are not based on financial circumstances, major or college choice, or career plans.
• Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards: Corporate sponsors designate awards for children of employees or members, residents of communities where the company operates, or Finalists with career plans the sponsor wishes to encourage. These awards are usually $500-$2000 and may be one-time awards or renewable for all four years of college.
• College-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards: Officials of sponsor colleges select winners from Finalists who have been accepted for admission and have informed NMSC that the college is their top choice. These awards are renewable for four years of undergraduate study.

Schools that offer free tuition or free-ride scholarships to National Merit Scholars include:

• Texas A&M
• University of Oklahoma
• University of Arizona
• Auburn University
• University of Tulsa
• Baylor University

In addition, about 1,100 excellent National Merit Program participants who are not Finalists receive Special Scholarships.

These may be one-time awards or renewable for four years of study. Students must meet the sponsor’s criteria and submit an entry form to the sponsor organization.

Tips for Winning a National Merit Scholarship

Now, we’ll look at tips that will help you qualify for a National Merit Scholarship.

These tips fall into two categories: earning a high score on the PSAT and submitting a top-notch NMSC application.

How to Earn a High Score on the PSAT

• Answer PSAT practice questions or take practice tests on the CollegeBoard’s website. Becoming familiar with the structure, format, and question types is extremely helpful.
• When you get a question wrong, take the time to read the right answer and understand why it’s correct. Why did you get the question wrong? What steered you in the wrong direction? What’s a better strategy you can use in the future?
• Based on how you perform on practice tests, determine your strengths and weaknesses. As you continue preparing, focus on improving in your areas of weakness.
• This may mean drilling math questions, studying vocabulary words (along with roots, prefixes, and suffixes), brushing up on grammar, or practicing with reading passages.
• If you need a lot of help in a subject area, consider hiring a tutor or working with a teacher at your school.
• Continue taking practice tests/answering practice questions to ensure that you’re improving and getting closer to your target score.

How to Submit a Competitive NMSC Application

• Have a GPA of at least 3.5 or better. You should have performed consistently well throughout high school, and you should have taken challenging courses. Of course, you can’t change your previous performance and schedule, but do your best to earn the highest grades possible now.
• Earn a high score on the SAT (preferably 1400 or better). You can prepare for the SAT in much the same way you prepared for the PSAT.
• Show deep extracurricular involvement in a few areas you’re passionate about, along with leadership experiences whenever possible.
• Cultivate positive relationships with your principal and other school officials. Ask for your recommendation at least three weeks ahead of time. Provide a list of qualities, experiences, and accomplishments they can mention in your letter.

Writing an Excellent Personal Essay for Your Application

Your NMSC essay must be 500-600 words.

The personal essay topic varies each year. Here’s one example from a previous year:

To help the reviewers get to know you, describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you. Use your own words and limit your response to the space provided.

Like your college application essay, this essay is intended to showcase your unique personality and perspective.

Follow the same guidelines you should follow when writing your college application essay:

• Brainstorm what aspects of your life, personality, and values you’d like to share with the NMSC.
• Write in your authentic voice and be honest. The committee wants to know who you are as an individual.
• Open with an anecdote that introduces the topic you’d like to address. Use specific details that make the story yours.
• Be reflective. What did you learn from the experience you’ve described? How did it help you grow or influence your life? Why does the topic you selected matter to you?
• Proofread and edit. Make sure you’ve conveyed your ideas clearly and using appropriate conventions. Cut unnecessary fluff and clarify confusing parts.
• Have a parent, friend, and/or teacher read your essay and provide feedback.

Final Thoughts: National Merit Scholarship (And How to Win It!)

If you become a National Merit Scholar, it’s a huge honor that can qualify you for several scholarships (and even a full ride at some schools).

• Winning a National Merit scholarship is a long and highly competitive process, but it’s doable with practice and dedication.

The steps you must take to win a National Merit scholarship—earning good grades, participating in leadership and extracurricular activities, preparing for and performing well on the SAT, building relationships with teachers and administrators, and crafting a personal essay—are also essential for applying to college.

• So, aiming for a National Merit scholarship is a win no matter what happens. Do your best, but don’t stress too much over the results.

You’ll learn a lot from the experience, and you’ll build the competitiveness of your college application. If you win a scholarship or two along the way, that’s icing on the cake.

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