How Homeschoolers Can Qualify for the National Merit Scholarship

If you’re homeschooling a high schooler with strong academic potential, the National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious opportunity worth exploring. While the process can feel overwhelming—especially for homeschoolers who don't have access to a traditional guidance counselor—it is entirely achievable with the right information and timing.

In this post, we’ll break down how your homeschooler can enter and compete for this nationally-recognized scholarship.

What Is the National Merit Scholarship Program?

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition that awards scholarships to top-performing high school students across the country. Students qualify based on their scores on the PSAT/NMSQT—a standardized test administered during their junior year.

Each year, about 1.5 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT, and a small percentage advance to the semifinalist and finalist stages, which can lead to significant scholarship offers from universities and corporations.

Step 1: Take the PSAT/NMSQT in Junior Year

For a homeschooler to be considered, they must take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of their junior year (11th grade). This is the only time scores will count toward National Merit qualification. There is no alternate route for qualifying—no retakes, and no SAT substitution. (I missed this opportunity for one of my homeschoolers; hopefully you can avoid doing the same!)

Important: No school will automatically register your homeschooled student; you must take the lead.

Step 2: Contact a Local School Early

Since homeschoolers don’t receive automatic registration, parents must contact a local public or private school well in advance to request that their student be allowed to take the PSAT at that school in the fall.

Here’s how:

• Call or email the school’s homeschool liaison, guidance office, or testing coordinator

• Inquire if they’re offering the PSAT/NMSQT in October and if they can include your student

• Offer to pay any test fees

• Confirm the test date, location, and arrival instructions

  
  

Some schools may be hesitant or unfamiliar with the process for including homeschoolers, so persistence and courtesy go a long way.

Step 3: Use Your Legal Homeschool Status

When registering, make sure to use your state's homeschool code, if one exists—not a public or private school code. This ensures your student is recognized as a homeschooled applicant by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Use the universal homeschool code (970000) unless directed otherwise. The College Board generally indicates 97000 for homeschooled students.

It's best to confirm the correct code with the guidance office of the school where you are testing, or contact the College Board directly. 

Step 4: Score in the Top Percentile

Qualification as a Semifinalist depends on your student’s Selection Index Score, which is derived from their PSAT results. Each state sets its own cutoff score, which can vary from year to year. Typically, students need to be in the top 1% of test-takers in their state.

If your student achieves this level, they’ll be named a Semifinalist in their senior year and invited to continue in the competition.

Step 5: Complete the Finalist Application

Semifinalists must complete a detailed application to be considered for Finalist status. This includes:

• A strong SAT score (yes, the SAT is still required at this stage)

• An essay

• A recommendation (usually from a parent or outside teacher/tutor for homeschoolers)

• A thorough academic record

Homeschooled students must also submit a detailed transcript and curriculum summaries/course descriptions.

Step 6: Access Scholarship Opportunities

Finalists are eligible for:

• $2,500 National Merit scholarships

• Corporate-sponsored awards

• Full-tuition or major scholarship offers from many universities

  
  

Some colleges even offer automatic full-ride scholarships for National Merit Finalists.

What Homeschool Parents Should Know

• Plan early. If you’re considering this path, build your high school plan around strong academics and include standardized test prep.

• Stay organized. Keep thorough records of coursework, descriptions, grades, reading lists, and extracurriculars.

• Seek outside validation. Dual enrollment, community classes, or AP exams can help strengthen your student’s application package.

• Be your student’s advocate. From arranging PSAT registration to submitting paperwork, the process will fall to the parent in a homeschool setting. You are your student's best advocate and the cheif story-teller of their academic journey.

You’re Not Alone

Navigating the National Merit process as a homeschooler may take a few extra steps, but it's well within reach. With careful planning, consistent academic work, and a little initiative, your student can compete at the highest level—and open doors to impressive scholarship opportunities.

Need Help?

At The Homeschool Advisors, we support families with every aspect of homeschooling through the high school years from course planning to transcript preparation, testing timelines, record keeping, and more, so you can focus on what matters most: your student’s success.

📩 Contact us to learn how we can guide you through the high school to college journey.