National Merit Scholarships are academic awards given to high school students in the United States based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT exam. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward students who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities and potential for success in college. The program is administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which selects recipients based on their scores and other criteria, such as academic records and recommendations. Scholarships can be funded by the NMSC or by participating colleges and universities, providing financial assistance to help students pursue their higher education goals.