The National Merit Scholarship Program is a nationwide competition for recognition and awards based on a student’s junior year Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) scores. Over 1.5 million students entered in this program and approximately 16,000 students were named semifinalists. After taking the PSAT last year, seniors Riley Cloyd, Jason Oh, and Sienna Szczesny earned the title of National Merit Semifinalist at the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. 

Approximately half of the semifinalists will receive a scholarship by completing a detailed application to compete for advancement to the finalist stage. Less than 5% of people get into the National Merit Scholarship Program.

“Being a National Merit Semifinalist was one of my goals for a long time, so I was really excited when I learned that I qualified,” Szczesny said.

Eligibility is based on Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) scores, and students with the highest scores in each state are named semifinalists. 

“My advice for really anyone would be to take the PSAT seriously when you are a freshman or sophomore,” Szczesny said. “Your score doesn’t matter then, but it’s really good practice for you to understand what the testing is and ultimately the best preparation for the junior year PSAT and SAT.”

Jason Oh is another one of the seniors that made it to the semifinals. 

“I was very honored to hear that I earned national merit semifinalist because it brings recognition for the constant hard work I’ve put in throughout school,” Oh said. It also places me in great company, among other people who I’m proud to share a title with.”

The National Merit Semifinalists have the opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $29 million that will be offered next spring. 

“When you find out you are a qualified semifinalist, definitely get working on your application right away,” Oh said. “It’s not a lot of work, but putting it off can overwhelm you when combined with school work, college apps, and other duties. Also, communicate frequently with your designated school counselor, as they are the ones that submit your transcript and letter of recommendation.”