A National Merit Semifinalist 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 them with opportunities for scholarships and college recognition. To become a semifinalist, students must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and taking the PSAT during their junior year. Semifinalists can then compete for National Merit Scholarships based on their academic performance and other criteria, such as leadership and extracurricular activities.