National Merit Scholarships
National Merit Scholarships
First-Year, Full-Time Incoming FreshmEn Only: 2026 High School Graduates
These awards are designated for students who have been named a National Merit Semi Finalist or National Merit Finalist by the .
Additional eligibility for freshman scholarships can be found here.
Deadlines
- National Merit Semifinalists: Deadline to accept semifinalist scholarship in the GO System.
- National Merit Finalists: Deadline to apply for National Merit Finalist Scholarship in the GO System.
- Finalists must list USM as their first-choice institution with the National Merit Corporation.
Finalists must accept Freshman National Merit Finalist Scholarships in the GO System.
Step 1) Log into the Golden Opportunities (GO System) Scholarship Application System:Visit
https://www.usm.academicworks.com
At the top right of the page there will be a gold bar that says “Sign In.” Click the
“Sign In” gold bar. This will direct you to the login page.
Use your SOAR credentials (wID and SOAR password) to log in to the GO System.
Step 2) Once you have signed into the GO Scholarship Application System using your
SOAR ID and password, you should complete the general application.
Step 3) Following completion and submission of the general application, “Other Recommended Opportunities” will appear on the left hand under “Application Progress.”
Step 4) Click on the “Other Recommended Opportunities” tab and search for your desired designation-based scholarship(s) or National Merit Finalist Scholarship.
Step 5) Once you find the scholarship you are searching for*, click the gold “Apply” button beside the scholarship name.
Step 6) Fill out the application. Be sure to include any required supporting documentation.
Step 7) Once you have filled out a specific application, be sure to click “Submit.” Submit any supporting documentation as needed. To double check that your application is submitted, click on “My Applications” to view its status.
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Scholarships at 601.266.4540 or scholars@usm.edu.
*If you are unable to find the scholarship you are searching for, click “Opportunities” at the top of the page, then “Ours” and search for the scholarship on the “Our Opportunities” page.
National merit scholarship package:
semi-finalist
- Full tuition scholarship for four years
- Campus housing, meal plan, and one-time $500 educational allowance for freshman year only
- Semifinalists do not have to apply for the semifinalist scholarship, but must be admitted by the priority deadline of March 1.
Finalist
- Full tuition scholarship for four years
- Campus housing, meal plan, and $1,000 educational allowance for four years
- One-time $4,000 study abroad scholarship
- Finalists must apply and submit official documentation by May 1 through the GO System for National Merit Finalist Scholarship. Finalists must list Miss as their first-choice institution with the National Merit Corporation.