A Test That Leads to Success

Maclay’s National Merit Semi-Finalists Are Announced

Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test designed to help juniors prepare for the SAT. The PSAT/NMSQT also allows students the opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program run by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The students with scores within the top one percent of the state are rewarded the title of semifinalist. Then, these students can fill out an application to determine whether they qualify to be a finalist.

Through membership in the program, students can achieve recognition for academic success and qualify for scholarships to go towards college admission. Maclay’s Class of 2026 had five semifinalists: Nishi Bhanderi, Anna Chuku, Suhani Gawde, Sophie Lombard and Reid Roberts.

“It helps for college applications, especially for schools that are test optional,” Chuku said. “It helps me stand out from other Florida students.”

Maclay’s semifinalists took the test on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 when the students were still juniors. The list of semifinalists is not officially announced until September of the following academic year, and this long wait causes much anticipation among competitive test-takers.

“I started crying,” Chuku said. “I was so happy because I tried so hard.”