Every year the National Merit Scholarship Corporation selects students from around 21,000 high schools and from a pool of 1.3 million eligible high school applicants nationwide. Around 16,000 high schoolers will attain the semifinalist status and around 7,140 high schoolers will receive the National Merit Finalist Scholarship. The attrition rate for the National Merit Scholarship is less than 1% from year to year. This year Pleasant Valley features 7 National Merit Semifinalists who will move on to compete for the status of National Merit Scholarship Finalist.
To attain the title of finalist, National Merit semifinalists are evaluated by their PSAT scores, their application letters, academic records, classes, extracurriculars and letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors. In addition, they must also take, attain and submit high SAT scores to be considered for the scholarship.
Many of the National Merit Scholars are honored to attain this title and are looking forward to competing for the title of National Merit Finalist and pursuing a higher education. Semifinalist Luke Eckman was selected as one of PVHS’s 7 finalists. “I’m honored to receive the National Merit Semifinalist Award and I look forward to using it to help me in the college application process.”
Becoming a National Merit Scholar semifinalist or finalist, is an indication of a strong academic background. In addition, the award also provides a profound sense of academic achievement that instills honor and pride. Semifinalist Tyler Nels stated,“It’s just an honor to be a National Merit Semifinalist. This shows that I have academic and volunteer experience to prove it.”
Semifinalists such as Achinetya Jayaram reflect upon their hard work and the past and are honored to receive the award. “First of all, I am honored to receive this award…During hybrid, my freshman year I came across a video that stuck with me and he said, ‘Not all of those who work hard are successful, but those who are successful have worked hard,’” he shared.
Semifinalist Cole Halupnick is focused on the future and eager to utilize his achievements to pursue further education. “The National Merit Scholarship will help me continue my pursuit of learning and passion.”
Attaining the title of National Merit Scholarship finalist is not an easy feat by any measure. Nevertheless, Pleasant Valley proudly presents seven talented National Merit Scholars, who in their pursuit of knowledge, are eager to seize the opportunities this accolade presents them and are driven to continue their journey to become National Merit Finalists.
