National Merit Scholarship Competition Timetable
| Early Summer | High school Juniors (rising Seniors) scoring high on the PSAT identified as potential National Merit candidates. These high scorers are selected based on a minimum Selection Index calculated by adding the scores on the Verbal + Math + Writing Skills portions of the PSAT. |
| September | Semifinalists selected and notified. These Semifinalists are the highest scorers in each of the 50 states and represent less than one percent of each State's high school seniors. |
| Sept. - Oct. | Semifinalists and their high schools submit Merit Scholarship Applications. |
| Oct. - Dec. | Semifinalists take and send SAT I scores to National Merit. |
| Jan. - Feb. | Selected Semifinalists advance to Finalist standing. |
| March | Selected Finalists awarded one-time "National" National Merit $2500 Scholarships. |
| March | Selected Finalists awarded "Corporate" sponsored Merit Scholarships. |
| April | Selected Finalists awarded "College" sponsored Merit Scholarships. |
| May 31 | Deadline to change college choice for "College" sponsored Merit Scholarships. |
| June - July | National Merit confirms students' attendance and enrollment at respective colleges. |
| September | Scholarship check sent to college in Scholar's name. |
Note: This is an outline of National Merit activities and mailings. The exact and actual dates are determined by the National Merit Corporation and are subject to change without notice.