The National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners were announced Thursday, May 2. Students were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program.
To select scholarship winners, a committee of educators evaluated students' academic records, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
The winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. They were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors. These Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.