National Achievement Scholarship Program

Black students may enter both the National Achievement Program and the National Merit^® Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT^®) and meeting other published requirements for participation. The two annual programs are conducted concurrently but operated and funded separately. A student's standing is determined independently in each program. Black American students can qualify for recognition and be honored as Scholars in both the National Merit Program and the National Achievement Program, but can receive only one monetary award from NMSC.

In order to participate in the National Achievement SCholarship Program, a student must request entry to the National Achievement Program by marking Section 14 on the PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet, thereby identifying himself or herself as a Black American who wishes to be considered in this competition as well as in the National Merit^® Scholarship Program. About 800 Finalists are notified that they have been selected to receive a National Achievement Scholarship: two types are awarded- a National Achievement $2,500 scholarship which is awarded on a regional representation basis and is single payment, or a Corporate-sponsored Achivement Scholarship which support students who plan to pursue particular college majors/careers and may be renewable or one-time awards.