The National Merit^® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year.

How to Enter the Competition

High School students who meet published program entry and participation requirements enter the National Merit Scholarship Program 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 competition. For example, the 2020 PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for entry to the competition for scholarships to be awarded in 2022.

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 the fall.

Note: The PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 will not be considered for entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT/NMSQT is the official route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Student Entry Requirements

On test day, students are asked some questions to determine entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program. To participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program, a student must:

1. take the PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year of the high school program and no later than the third year in grades 9 through 12, regardless of grade classification or educational pattern;

2. be enrolled as a high school student (traditional or homeschooled), progressing normally toward graduation or completion of high school, and planning to accept admission to college no later than the fall following completion of high school; and

3. attend high school in the United States, the District of Columbia, or U.S. commonwealth and territory; or meet the citizenship requirements for students attending high school outside the United States (see below).

Students attending high school outside the U.S.: To be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a student attending high school outside the United States must be a citizen of the United States; or be a U.S. lawful resident (or have applied for permanent residence, the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT WEBSITE: WWW.NATIONALMERIT.ORG

LEDA brings together a community of student leaders for a completely free seven-week residential program at Princeton University that includes academic preparation for college, leadership training, college guidance based on individual fit, SAT/ACT preparation, help with college applications and scholarships, and a chance to experience life on a college campus. This year, the LEDA Summer Institute was entirely virtual, and while we are planning for an in-person program in the Summer of 2021, we are fully prepared to offer a virtual program again if necessary.

LEDA is for life. After the summer institute, the LEDA team continues to work with Scholars intensively on all aspects of their college applications and their transition to and through college. The LEDA community is a network that will continue to provide support and opportunities beyond college graduation.

Why LEDA:

Students who attend our program feel more prepared to apply to selective colleges, pursue competitive scholarships, and make a positive impact on their communities with their leadership skills. Our individualized college guidance support has helped enroll 86% of LEDA Scholars in an Ivy League or Most Competitive college supported by excellent financial aid and scholarships.

Who should apply?

LEDA is looking for juniors in high school who want to be challenged academically, have demonstrated a commitment to their studies, have the desire to be a leader in their families, schools, and communities, and embody LEDA’s core values of excellence, integrity, compassion, and community.

Applicants must be a junior attending a public high school in the U.S. graduating in 2023, a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have DACA Status, have an annual household income up to $90,000, and a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5.

How you can help:

These are a few steps you can take today to help us get the word out about LEDA:

1. Encourage students to apply

2. Nominate juniors who you would like to receive information and support from LEDA or encourage them to self nominate

3. Share the September Event Schedule with students and educators

4. Share the LEDA Flyer with educators and students

If you are interested in setting up an individual virtual presentation for students or educators in your network please let me know.

We are so grateful to our partners in this field working to ensure the health and safety of their students and their families during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your support and look forward to working with you this year.

Iris Early | Director of Recruitment & Admissions

Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America

P (646) 787-0632 | C (917) 349-1216

E irisearly@ledascholars.org

The Posse model works for both students and college campuses and is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a Posse—carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development. As the United States becomes an increasingly multicultural society, Posse believes that the leaders of the 21st century should reflect the country’s rich demographic mix. The key to a promising future for our nation rests on the ability of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop consensus solutions to complex social problems. Posse’s primary aim is to train these leaders of tomorrow.

The Posse Foundation could not exist without its partner colleges and universities, who provide Posse Scholars with full-tuition scholarships, weekly faculty mentoring, and other support. Posse thanks these prestigious institutions for their investments in the program and their commitment to the success of Posse Scholars.

Students must be nominated by their School Counselor. If students are interested, a nomination link will be sent to students in May (junior year). Be mindful, students must apply to one of the Partner Schools in addition to applying to this scholarship, listed below:

PARTNER COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES FOR DC POSSE:

• Bucknell University

• Lafayette University

• Lewis & Clark College

• Sewanee: The University of the South

• University of Rochester

• University of Wisconsin-Madison