Winning the National Merit Scholarship?

I didn’t see any compiled data, just bio of students getting selected as scholars. There are so many factors including but not limited to grades, rank, rigor, AP, PSAT, SAT, SAT II, leadership, volunteerism, extracurriculars, character, research, arts, essays, teacher recommendations, principal/counselor recommendations, peer recommendations etc.

As foundation only picks 2,500 from whole country as the brightest high schoolers of the year, it’s not about the $ amount but about being recognised for your accomplishments. All of these schoolers can get free rides at at least 100 colleges or even more.