A National Merit Finalist is a high school student who has achieved a high score on the PSAT/NMSQT, a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. This designation is part of the National Merit Scholarship Program, which recognizes academically talented students and provides scholarship opportunities. To become a finalist, students must meet specific academic criteria, including maintaining a strong GPA and submitting a detailed application. Finalists are then eligible for various scholarships, including those offered by colleges and corporations, which can help reduce the cost of higher education.