The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the United States. Achieving Finalist status is earned by scoring in the top 1% of 11th graders in your state on the PSAT.
Finalists earn a National Merit® $2,500 Scholarship, corporate-sponsored scholarships, college admissions advantages, and even full-ride scholarships with stipends at some of the top universities! Shormann Math is the only curriculum that teaches every concept on the math section of the PSAT.
By integrating geometry and algebra, students continuously learn and practice both subjects, developing long-term retention and fluency.
Continual review across all levels ensures that students consistently practice previously learned concepts or building on them in new lessons. As a result, every homework set contains a variety of problem types, similar to the structure of the PSAT and other standardized tests.
Research shows that this continual review and integration of algebra and geometry develops fluency in less time, increases standardized test scores, and enables students to achieve higher levels of math.
How to Compete in the National Merit Scholarship Program
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of qualifying:
- The PSAT is administered at high schools in October each year. To learn how and when to register, see collegeboard.org
- In the fall of 10th grade, take the PSAT as practice – This helps you become familiar with the format, test location, and timing. There’s no need to study or take practice tests yet, as only your 11th-grade score counts for National Merit qualification.
- Complete Shormann Algebra 1 with Geometry and Shormann Algebra 2 by the end of 10th grade – These two courses cover every concept on the math section of the PSAT.
- Complete the first 25 lessons of Shormann Precalculus at least two weeks before the exam – This provides an excellent review of all PSAT concepts.
- Take a practice test daily for two weeks before the exam – Use a College Board or Princeton Review test prep book.
- Take the PSAT – Stay confident and apply the problem-solving strategies you've developed.
Ready to get started? Visit our Shormann Math page and begin your journey today!