National Merit Scholarships and National Achievement Scholarships
Are you a National Merit or a National Achievement Finalist? If so, UMass Amherst has a deal for you.
UMass Amherst participates in the National Merit and National Achievement Scholarship Programs. The National Merit Program was established in 1955 and is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. The National Achievement Scholarship Program is also an academic competition, which was established in 1964 to provide recognition for outstanding African-American high school students. (African-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). Students enter both programs by taking the PSAT/NMSQT test, which serves as an initial screen. They then need to meet published program entry/participation requirements.
UMass Amherst will award scholarships up to the full amount of tuition, fees, room, and board to a select number of National Merit and National Achievement finalists. If recipients maintain a GPA of 3.2 or higher, the scholarships will be renewable for up to a maximum of eight consecutive full-time terms, or until completion of the degree program, whichever comes first.
If you’re a qualified student, all you need to do is fill out the UMass Amherst admission application on paper or on-line (like any other applicant). On the application, simply indicate your status as either a National Merit or National Achievement finalist when listing your significant activities, honors, or awards.
Applications are due January 15.
For more information contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
