For seniors Jeffrey Ogbonnaya, Katelyn Pischel and Henry Witte, months of quiet studying and late-night problem sets finally paid off as each was named a National Merit Semifinalist this fall. This award is given to just over 16,000 students nationally every year based on their performance on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT).
The PSAT is a digital standardized test, graded on a scale of 320-1520, that can be taken by students in eighth through 11th grade. It contains two sections: Reading/Writing and Math, each with a maximum score of 760.
Although the PSAT can be taken by a variety of grades, to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, students have to take the PSAT during their junior year of high school. Their score is then turned into a National Merit Selection Index which helps determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program by adding both of the scores from the two sections and comparing them with their “cutoff” or qualifying score for Semifinalist status, typically around 212-225
To prepare for the PSAT, Witte and Ogbonnaya took practice tests in order to get a better sense of what would be asked on the test. Pischel focused on reviewing math topics that might come up.
According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), 95% of Semifinalists are expected to become Finalists and receive a Certificate of Merit. To become a Finalist, there are several additional requirements, including the completion of the National Merit Scholarship Application and taking the SAT or ACT to confirm the PSAT score.
After this, only about 7,500 students are named National Merit Scholars, the final step in these awards. Becoming a National Merit Scholar earns students a $2,500 scholarship provided by the NMSC, in addition to opportunities for merit-based scholarships from specific colleges. Furthermore, Scholars benefit from increased college admission chances, exclusive university programs such as honors programs and research opportunities.
To those aiming to become a Semifinalist or Finalist in the future, Ogbonnaya recommends preparing early – even before junior year.
“These tests can really creep up on you, especially when your schedule is packed like it is in junior year.”
Being recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist is a prestigious award that is given to less than 1% of students nationally, while opening doors for many more opportunities in the future. It can be a huge confidence boost and motivator for any student recognized as a Semifinalist.
“Being a Semifinalist has definitely encouraged me in my college applications, and has made me more confident in my resume,” Witte said.
This accomplishment is both encouraging and validating. Often it can be hard to see results, and this can lead to lack of motivation.
“Sometimes I really struggle to see the rewards of my hard work, so being named a National Merit Semifinalist has been a really good reminder for me to just take a moment to recognize how my time and effort has paid off,” Pischel said.
All three students have put in a lot of work in order to do well in school while also excelling at standardized tests like the PSAT.
“Personally, I put so much more pressure on myself than anyone else ever has — I always just want to do my best, and I’ve always had really high standards for myself,” Pischel said.
Another big motivation for some students is the future. “For me, my main motivation is just doing well enough to go to college,” Ogbonnaya said. “Then find a job that will make me feel fulfilled (and pay my bills).”
Outside of school, most of these seniors’ time is spent on homework and extracurriculars. Ogbonnaya plays the violin and piano, and spends “way more time than I really should on TikTok”. Pischel is a part of the LSE Cross Country and Swim teams, and loves to spend time with her family and friends. For Witte, at this point in the year, most of his time is devoted to sports and homework.
Overall, these three students have worked hard to achieve this prestigious honor, and say that it feels good to have that hard work recognized.
“It’s really validating for me because I’ve put in a lot of work, and it’s clearly paying off academically,” Ogbonnaya said.
