National Merit Scholarship Finalists 2025

Overview of the National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the United States, annually recognizing and rewarding high-achieving high school students for their academic excellence, leadership, and potential for future success. Established in 1955, the program has become a hallmark of academic distinction, opening doors to scholarships, college admissions advantages, and unique opportunities for thousands of students each year.

The Path to Becoming a National Merit Finalist

PSAT/NMSQT: The First Step

The journey begins when high school juniors take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in October. This standardized test serves as the initial screening for program entry. Out of the approximately 1.5 million students who take the PSAT/NMSQT annually, about 50,000 are recognized for their high scores. These students are designated as either Commended Students or Semifinalists, depending on their performance and the cutoff scores set for each state.47.

Semifinalist Selection

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Approximately 16,000 students-representing the top 1% of test-takers in each state-are named National Merit Semifinalists. These students are notified in September of their senior year and are invited to continue in the competition for finalist status. The cutoff scores for Semifinalist designation vary by state and are influenced by factors such as the number of test-takers and changes in testing policies. For 2025, predictions place the cutoff scores in the range of 222-228, reflecting a highly competitive landscape.

Advancing to Finalist

To become a National Merit Finalist, Semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application. This application includes:

An outstanding academic record throughout high school
Endorsement and recommendation from a school official
A well-crafted student essay
Evidence of participation and leadership in extracurricular and community activities
Confirmation of PSAT/NMSQT performance with SAT or ACT scores

A committee of experienced college admission officers and high school counselors reviews these applications, evaluating each candidate holistically. In 2025, about 15,000 semifinalists advanced to finalist status, continuing the program’s tradition of rigorous selection.

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The 2025 National Merit Finalists: A Closer Look

Record-Breaking Achievements

The class of 2025 saw a record number of students achieving finalist status in several districts across the country. For example, Williamson County Schools (WCS) in Tennessee announced that 85 students earned the title of National Merit Finalist, breaking previous records and underscoring the increasing competitiveness of the program.². This trend reflects both the growing awareness of the program’s benefits and the dedication of students, families, and educators.

Diversity of Finalists

Finalists come from a wide range of backgrounds, schools, and regions. In the Philadelphia area alone, 88 students from various high schools were named 2025 National Merit Scholarship winners, highlighting the program’s reach and inclusivity.⁶.. These students were recognized not only for their academic prowess but also for their leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service.

Examples of 2025 Finalists

Here are some of the students recognized as National Merit Finalists in 2025 from WCS:

Brentwood High: Ivy Allen, Leonardo Bai, Ivy Chang, Thilo Coughlan, Dennis DeGennaro, and more
Centennial High: Natalie Blank, Roman Comer, Michael Eischen, Alexandria Hooks, and others
Franklin High: Adelaide Edwards, Judy Hsu, Rinaz Jamal, Andrew Jiang, and more
Independence High: Peyton Brandon, Connor Britt, Brendan Casner, Kate Honken-Krause, and others

These lists represent just a fraction of the thousands of students nationwide who achieved this distinction.

The Selection Process: What Sets Finalists Apart

Holistic Evaluation

While PSAT/NMSQT scores are the foundation of the program, the selection process for Finalists and, ultimately, scholarship recipients is holistic. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) considers:

Academic records and rigor of coursework
School recommendations and character references
Student essays that reflect personal goals, values, and achievements
Leadership roles and participation in extracurricular activities
Employment and volunteer work

Given the high caliber of all Semifinalists, the school official’s recommendation and the student’s essay often play a decisive role in distinguishing Finalists and scholarship winners.

State-Based Competition

Finalists compete against others in their state or selection unit, ensuring geographic diversity among scholarship recipients. This approach recognizes academic talent across the country, not just in the most populous or affluent regions

Scholarships and Recognition: What Finalists Receive

Types of Scholarships

Finalists are eligible for several types of scholarships:

National Merit $2,500 Scholarships: Awarded by the NMSC to the most outstanding Finalists in each state. These are one-time awards.
Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships: Funded by businesses, foundations, and professional organizations. These scholarships may be one-time or renewable and often target students with specific career interests or affiliations
College-Sponsored Scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer generous merit-based scholarships to National Merit Finalists who enroll at their institutions. These awards can be substantial, sometimes covering full tuition and fees

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Beyond the Money: Lasting Benefits

Being named a National Merit Finalist is more than a financial award. The recognition:

Enhances college admission prospects, especially at selective institutions
Opens doors to honors programs, research opportunities, and specialized academic tracks
Signals to colleges and employers a student’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership

Many universities actively recruit National Merit Finalists, offering additional perks such as priority housing, early registration, and unique networking opportunities.

The Impact on College Admissions and Future Opportunities

A Competitive Edge

National Merit recognition, particularly at the Finalist or Scholar level, is a significant asset in the college admissions process. Top universities, including Ivy League and other highly selective schools, value the distinction as evidence of intellectual ability, motivation, and achievement. Even Commended Students, who represent the top 3% of PSAT test-takers, enjoy enhanced admissions prospects.

Special Programs and Honors Colleges

Many universities offer special programs for National Merit Finalists, such as honors colleges with smaller class sizes, advanced coursework, and dedicated faculty advisors. These programs foster academic growth and prepare students for graduate studies or competitive careers

Financial Planning for Families

For families, the financial impact of National Merit recognition can be significant. In addition to the direct scholarship money, Finalist status often qualifies students for additional merit-based aid, reducing the overall cost of college and lessening reliance on loans.

Trends and Insights: The 2025 Competition

Cutoff Scores and Competition

The 2025 National Merit cutoff scores continued a trend of gradual increases, reflecting heightened competition and a strong pool of applicants. Factors influencing the cutoffs included changes in the number of test-takers, adjustments in high school curricula, and potential modifications to the PSAT/NMSQT itself. Predictions for 2025 placed the national cutoff in the range of 222-228, with some states experiencing slight increases or decreases based on local participation rates.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program continues to emphasize diversity and inclusion, aiming to recognize talent from all backgrounds and regions. Corporate-sponsored scholarships, in particular, often target underrepresented groups or students with specific interests, further broadening the program’s reachs.

Cautions on School Comparisons

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation cautions against comparing schools based on the number of Merit Scholarship winners, emphasizing that the program honors individual achievement rather than serving as a measure of school quality

“The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The program does not measure the quality or effectiveness of education within a school, system or state.”

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Preparing for the National Merit Program: Advice for Future Applicants

Academic Preparation

Success in the National Merit competition begins with strong academic preparation. Students should:

Take rigorous courses throughout high school
Develop effective study habits and time management skills
Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities and leadership roles

Test Preparation

Focused preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT is essential. Many schools offer SAT/PSAT prep programs, and there are numerous online resources and practice tests available. Early and consistent preparation can make a significant difference in performance.

Application Strategy

For Semifinalists aspiring to become Finalists, the scholarship application is critical. Students should:

Seek strong recommendations from teachers or counselors who know them well
Write a compelling essay that highlights their unique experiences and aspirations
Document their achievements, leadership roles, and community service

Family and School Support

Support from families and schools is vital. Parents can encourage academic excellence and provide resources for test preparation, while schools can offer guidance and mentorship throughout the process.

Conclusion

The 2025 National Merit Scholarship Finalists represent the pinnacle of academic achievement and leadership among American high school students. Their journey-from excelling on the PSAT/NMSQT to submitting comprehensive applications and earning recognition as Finalists-demonstrates not only intellectual ability but also dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

For these students, the benefits of National Merit recognition extend far beyond scholarships. They gain access to elite colleges, special academic programs, and a lifelong network of peers and mentors. As the program continues to evolve, it remains a powerful force for identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and scholars in the United States.

The accomplishments of the 2025 Finalists serve as an inspiration for future students, families, and educators, reminding us all of the value of hard work, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge.