Information for National Merit Semifinalists

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is one of the nation's top public research universities. That means your college experience will be enhanced by award-winning faculty, state-of-the-art learning facilities, and an unprecedented variety of options, including the University Honors Program and undergraduate research opportunities. 

Styled Content

Scholarship Opportunities for National Merit Finalists

Gold Scholar Award for National Merit Finalists

Amounts vary up to $10,000 each year for four years

Preference for the U of M Gold Scholar Award for National Merit Finalists--worth up to $10,000 each year for four years--is given to National Merit Finalists who declare the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as their first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation final deadline.

National Merit University of Minnesota Scholarship

$1,000 each year for four years

The University of Minnesota is a college-sponsor of the National Merit Scholarship Program. In addition to the Gold Scholar Award, Finalists may be eligible to receive the National Merit University of Minnesota Scholarship--worth $1,000 each year for four years.

To receive this scholarship, students must become National Merit Finalists and declare the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as their first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation final deadline and students must not be eligible for a National Merit Scholarship Corporation corporate-sponsored scholarship or National Merit $2500 scholarship.

University-wide Academic Scholarships

The University of Minnesota also offers a number of other competitive academic scholarships for incoming freshmen. Admitted freshmen are considered for these awards based on an overall assessment of the application for admission.

List of U of M freshman academic scholarships


Your Next Steps

1. Apply: 

If you haven't already done so, submit your complete application for freshman admission. When you complete your application by the November 1, December 1, or January 1 deadlines, you will receive full consideration for admission, Honors, and scholarships.

2. Visit: 

We encourage you to explore our virtual visit options to get to know the University of Minnesota Twin Cities better. From virtual campus tours to online events and info sessions to one-on-one appointments with admissions counselors or current students, there are many ways to learn about your future as a Golden Gopher. 

3. Declare: 

Preference for the U of M Gold Scholar Award for National Merit Finalists--worth up to $10,000 each year for four years--is given to National Merit Finalists who declare the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as their first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation final deadline.

If you have questions about how to declare a first-choice college or the deadline for doing so, please contact the National Merit Scholarship Corporation at 847-866-5100.

4. Confirm: 

If you've been offered admission, congratulations! Learn more about next steps for admitted students.

Expand all

I have been named a National Merit Semifinalist. What does this mean?

Congratulations on being named a National Merit Semifinalist! This is a truly outstanding achievement, and only 1 percent of high school graduates are awarded this honor. We are thrilled you are considering the U of M and look forward to working with you throughout the year!

At the University of Minnesota, you will automatically be considered for our academic scholarships as well as our University Honors Program based on an overall assessment of your admission application. If you haven't done so already, be sure to submit your complete application for admission as soon as possible.

What is National Merit Scholarship Corporation's deadline to declare the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as my first choice?

You should contact National Merit Scholarship Corporation at 847-866-5100 for deadline details to ensure you are eligible to receive any National Merit scholarships sponsored by the U of M.

I've already listed another school as my first-choice college with National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Can I update my first-choice to the University of Minnesota?

If you have already listed another school as your first-choice college, you should contact National Merit Scholarship Corporation at 847-866-5100 immediately for deadline information to ensure you are eligible to receive any National Merit scholarships sponsored by the U of M.

If you are considering several college options at this time, we strongly recommend that you pay close attention to the Requirements and Instructions for Semifinalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program and contact National Merit Scholarship Corporation directly.