National Achievement® Scholarship Program

Grades

Was grades 10-11 (PSAT/NMSQT testing year)

Age

Was approximately ages 15-17

Citizenship

U.S. high school students

Prerequisites

Had to take the PSAT/NMSQT test and score in top percentile specifically designated for the National Achievement program

Cost

No application cost; program was privately financed by NMSC

Acceptance Rate

Approximately 0.74% of participants became Achievement Scholars (34,000 out of 4.6 million)

Applicants

4.6 million total participants over 51 years (average ~90,000 per year)

Winners / Selected

Approximately 34,000 Achievement Scholars total; varied by year but typically 600-800 per year

{'career_outcomes': 'Achievement Scholars demonstrated exceptional professional success including roles in science, government, business, medicine, education, and public service', 'typical_profile': ['Top 1% of Black American high school test-takers nationally', 'GPA typically 3.8+', 'PSAT scores in 95th+ percentile for National Achievement cohort', 'Strong writing and communication skills', 'Demonstrated leadership and community involvement', 'Clear academic trajectory and college preparation', 'Often attended competitive colleges (Harvard, MIT, Stanford, etc.)'], 'notable_achievements': 'National Achievement Scholars went on to become astronauts (Mae Carol Jemison, Benjamin Alvin Drew), neurosurgeons (Alexa Canady), university deans (Evelynn Hammonds), U.S. government officials (Susan Rice - National Security Advisor, Lauren Underwood - U.S. Representative), media figures (Melissa Harris-Perry), and other accomplished professionals.'}

{'how_viewed': 'Major accomplishment showing top academic achievement; comparable to National Merit recognition', 'prestige_level': 'Achievement Scholar title was highly prestigious for college admissions', 'lasting_recognition': 'Title remained on student record and was noted in college applications throughout academic career', 'scholarship_connections': 'Many colleges specifically recruited National Achievement Scholars and offered additional financial aid', 'college_admissions_value': 'Significantly boosted applications to selective colleges; demonstrated exceptional academic merit and potential'}

• Dell Scholars Program — Tier 2, scholarship
• Cooke Young Scholars Program — Tier 2, scholarship
• QuestBridge — Tier 2, scholarship
• QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program — Tier 2, scholarship
• Ron Brown Scholar Program — Tier 2, scholarship