<p>There are 3 designations: National Merit, National Achievement and National Hispanic. National Achievement is designated for African-American students and typically has a lower cut-off just as the National Hispanic Recognition. If you made National Merit Semifinalist, I wouldn’t worry about the other designation. Both could be put on a resume or college/scholarship application. I have heard of other people taking National Achievement and National Hispanic Recognition in a negative way, but it’s the National Merit Corporation’s way of recognizing talented students from all backgrounds. </p>
<p>The University of Mississippi gives scholarship to all 3 designations.</p>