The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as an initial screening of approximately 1.4 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements. To participate in this competition, a student must take the PSAT during their Junior year of high school. It is highly recommended that students take the PSAT test during their sophomore year to increase their familiarity and skills for the PSAT.