NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FAQ

How do I receive the National Merit Semi-finalist/Finalist/Commended designation?

To participate in the National Merit® Scholarship Program, a student must:      

  1. Take the PSAT/NMSQT® in the specified year of the high school program and no later than the third year in grades 9 through 12, regardless of grade classification or educational pattern
  2. Be enrolled as a high school student (traditional or homeschooled), progressing normally toward graduation or completion of high school, and planning to accept admission to college no later than the fall semester following completion of high school
  3. Be a citizen of the United States; or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or have applied for permanent residence, the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law.

To see the full process, visit the National Merit Scholarship website.

How can I join the Scholars Program at FAU?

Follow the admissions steps to complete your Florida Atlantic application and make sure to submit your designation letter from the National Merit Corporation.

What does the financial aid package include for National Merit Scholars?

National Merit Scholarship recipients who are a Florida Residents are eligible for the Benacquisto Scholarship Program, which awards a Finalist up to the cost of attendance. This means Florida Atlantic covers tuition and fees, housing/dining, and books.

While out of state students are unable to be considered for the Benacquisto Scholarship Program, they will receive competitive FAU scholarship packages. We encourage out of state students and their families to explore outside scholarships as well as national programs designed for high achieving students.

What is the difference between the Wilkes Honors College and the Florida Atlantic Boca Campus?

FAU’s  Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College  is a distinct, free-standing, residential, four-year liberal arts and science college, located on the Jupiter campus. Wilkes Honors College students benefit from all-honors courses, an average class size of 16 students, and personal attention from distinguished faculty. Wilkes Honors College students receive exceptional opportunities for experiential learning and research, and many students participate in internships with world-class scientists at the Max Planck Florida Institute, the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, and Scripps Florida, which are all located on the Jupiter campus.

The  Boca Raton campus  provides an exciting and supportive learning environment for more than 70% of FAU's 30,000 students. Located just 1.8 miles from the beautiful beaches of Boca Raton, this campus features everything you’d expect from a modern university: suite-style housing for nearly 4,000 residential students, brand-new athletics and recreational facilities, art galleries, and so much more – all in a vibrant, tropical setting with a student body that is the most diverse of all of Florida's public universities.

How can parents stay involved with Florida Atlantic?

FAU’s Office of Family Engagement encourages families to support and participate in their student’s college experience. From Owl Family Weekend activities to Family Orientation, we invite parents to become part of our community of Owls. 

Where can I learn more about campus safety? 

The safety and well-being of our campus community is Florida Atlantic University's top priority. Along with the FAU Police Department, which works to keep our community safe, our campus safety resources include:  

  • Blue Light emergency systems across campus 
  • NightOwls, a student-run evening safety escort service for students who need a safe ride 
  • OwlReady, our safety app 

Learn more by visiting FAUPD.