
National Merit Scholarship: What It Is and How Students Qualify in 2026
Each year, approximately 1.3 million high school juniors enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, hoping to join the prestigious 1% who earn recognition as Semifinalists and the even more elite group who ultimately receive scholarship awards. For students, families, and educators navigating the college preparation landscape, understanding this program represents far more than chasing another credential—it opens doors to substantial scholarship opportunities, prestigious college recognition, and validation of years of academic dedication.
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