The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named nearly 350 students from Washington state semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among more than 16,000 students nationwide who earned the highest scores on the 2026 PSAT. The standardized test is typically taken by high school juniors. Organizers estimate that about 95% of semifinalists will become finalists, and approximately half of those finalists will receive scholarships.
Finalists will be eligible for three types of financial support: 2,500 National Merit Scholarships worth $2,500 each; approximately 700 corporate-sponsored scholarships of varying amounts; and 3,500 scholarships funded by about 140 colleges and universities. To become finalists, students and a school representative must submit an application detailing academic performance, extracurricular and community activities, leadership, honors and employment; write an essay; and provide a confirming SAT or ACT score. Finalists must also have an outstanding academic record throughout high school. Their names will be announced in four stages from April through August next year.
Based on: WA semifinalists for 2027 National Merit Scholarships announced