Who actually wins National Merit?

[BobWallace]

This is from NMSC’s documentation:

National Merit® $2500 Scholarships. These awards are unique because every Finalist is considered for one and winners are named in every state and other selection unit. The number awarded in each state is determined by the same representational procedure used to designate Semifinalists. Finalists compete with all other Finalists in their state or selection unit for one of the 2,500 National Merit $2500 Scholarships. Winners are selected by a committee of college admission officers and high school counselors.

Torveau, your description is nonsense. Colleges are not even notified of college choices until March, so the scenario you invented doesn’t even make sense.