Amount: $2,500 one-time (plus corporate/college sponsored)
Deadline: October (PSAT test date)
Level: undergraduate
Renewable: No
About
While not specifically for first-generation, many academically exceptional first-generation students qualify for National Merit Scholarships, which are highly prestigious and can open doors to other funding.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: US
- GPA: 3.5+
- High school student taking the PSAT/NMSQT
- Achieve high scores on PSAT/NMSQT to qualify as Semifinalist/Finalist
Required Materials
- PSAT/NMSQT scores
- High school record
- Essay
- Recommendation
Timeline
PSAT taken in junior year. Semifinalists announced September of senior year. Finalists announced February. Winners notified March-June.
Tips
Focus on excelling on the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior. Maintain a strong academic record and showcase your leadership and extracurriculars in the Finalist application.