National Merit Semifinalist 2024 Release Date. About 16,000 high school students in the graduating class of 2024 — less than 1 percent of u.s. Steps in the 2026 national merit ® scholarship competition.

About 16,000 high school students in the graduating class of 2024 — less than 1 percent of u.s. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some.