National Merit Scholarship Program
UCF is ranked among the top 50 colleges in the nation and second in Florida for its number of enrolled National Merit Scholars. Our top-notch academic programs, competitive scholarship packages and exciting location attract some of the most talented and accomplished students from across the nation.
Packages and Benefits
Once you are named as a National Merit semifinalist, you will be considered for a scholarship upon admission to UCF. If you are a Florida resident, this is in addition to the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
If you advance to finalist status, and you designate UCF as you first choice by the deadline, you will receive an increased scholarship amount.
Out-of-state students are not eligible for Bright Futures, but we have other, additional scholarship opportunities available. These awards are also in addition to any state, federal, or private funds for which you may be eligible.
National Merit Scholars and Semifinalists can also apply for special privileges at UCF, including:
- Admission to The Burnett Honors College
- Admission to the LEAD Scholars Program
- Guaranteed on-campus housing
Visiting the Campus
The best way to learn about UCF’s campus and culture is to visit us. As a National Merit semifinalist, you can schedule your visit year-round Monday through Friday, except on holidays. Your visit will include a campus tour and an optional tour of our residence halls.
When you set up your visit, tell us who and what you would like to see. As a National Merit student, you can meet with:
- Faculty from your academic area(s) of interest
- Director of Honors Student Services for The Burnett Honors College
- Director of the LEAD Scholars Program
- Housing staff member
- Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Assistance
We’re Here to Help
We work one-on-one with our National Merit scholars and parents.
Our staff contact is Luke van Blaricom, the director for the scholars program. Contact him if you have any questions, or would like to schedule a visit, at Luke.vanBlaricom@ucf.edu.
If you’d prefer to get the perspective of a current National Merit scholar, contact Anna Burns or Mason Beverly, the assistants for the program, at annaliciab@knights.ucf.edu or mason.beverly@ucf.edu.
Meet the Staff
We know that the college admissions process can be a bit daunting. That’s why we work one-on-one with National Merit students and parents to answer their questions and help them determine if UCF is the right fit.
Your contact for the National Merit Scholarship Program is Luke van Blaricom. Feel free to contact Luke if you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit.
For a current National Merit student’s point of view, you can also contact Anna Burns or Mason Beverly, Scholars Program Assistants.
Refer to our handy checklist often and never miss a date or deadline.
