Benefits Handbook

Scores from the PSAT/NMSQT will be used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as an initial screen of applicants in the Marsh McLennan Scholarship Program. Entrants who advance in the program will be contacted by his/her high school guidance counselor on or before December 31st of the high school student's fourth (senior/grade 12) year.

Only those entrants who advance in the program will be notified and receive materials from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. These students and their high school principals will complete detailed applications that include biographical and academic information that must be filed with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Scholarship recipients are chosen on a competitive basis.

A National Merit Scholarship Corporation committee will choose the winners by evaluating each eligible student's academic record throughout high school, significant activities and contributions to the school and community, test scores, the school's recommendation of the candidate, and the student's self-description of interests and goals. In most cases, winners will be notified in the spring of the student's fourth (senior/grade 12) year of high school. All recipients are notified directly by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The deadline changes annually. Please check the Scholarship Program section of the Career & Rewards Additional Perks page on Colleague Connect for this year's National Merit Scholarship application deadline.

More information about the National Merit Scholarship Corporation Program and selection process can be obtained from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, an independent, not-for-profit organization, administers the program.

The National Merit Scholarship Program's purposes are to identify and honor exceptionally able high school students and to provide a system of services for corporations and other organizations who wish to sponsor college undergraduate scholarships for outstanding students. All aspects of the selection of winners and the administration of their awards are handled by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation handles all phases of payments of scholarship stipends. Scholarship stipends are sent directly to the director of financial aid at the student's school.