National Merit Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, in conjunction with the UO, awards merit scholarships to selected academically talented high school seniors for undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon. Prospective UO freshmen who have been awarded College-Sponsored Finalist standing, and who have listed the University of Oregon as their "first choice" school on the NMSC Scholarship Application, are eligible to receive a National Merit Scholarship at the UO.

For 2008-9, UO College-Sponsored National Merit Scholars will receive $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

Eligibility Requirements

High school juniors from U.S. High schools who take the Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test ( PSAT / NMSQT ) are eligible for the Merit Scholarship Competition.

Application Procedures

Students who are selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) as semifinalists must complete a detailed scholarship application. Applications are sent directly from NMSC to qualified semifinalists.

Qualified finalists must apply for admission to the University of Oregon by January 15, 2009.

Selection Criteria

The highest scores from each state on the PSAT/NMSQT are named as semifinalists. To become a National Merit Finalist, semifinalists must have an outstanding high school record, be endorsed and recommended by their school's principal, and submit SAT scores that confirm their earlier qualifying test performance. Student are also evaluated on their NMSC Scholarship Application, including a self-descriptive essay and record of leadership and community activities.

Scholarship Renewal

College-Sponsored National Merit Scholars who maintain a 3.25 UO GPA are eligible to have their scholarships renewed for up to four years of undergraduate study.

Award Notification

The National Merit Scholarship begins notifying finalists of the awards in early April.