Three seniors earned recognition regarding their PSAT/NMSQT scores from junior year. Seniors Andrew Carson and Lucas Pagano earned Commended, while Cece Sullivan was named a National Merit Semifinalist.

The PSAT/NMSQT is taken during the fall semester of junior year. The students also have the option to take the test during their sophomore year, but only their junior grade counted toward the honors. 

Carson and Pagano found out that they were selected on Sept.23 when assistant principal Gary Brain walked into each of their classrooms and handed them the awards.

“It made me feel immediately excited,” Carson said. “This means a lot to specific colleges and all the work I put in.”

The three all used similar studying techniques. Carson and Sullivan both relied on websites as their materials, while Pagano relied on YouTube and other videos to help. 

“I was a big video guy,” Pagano said. “They gave me one of those booklets to practice questions and everything like that.”

Sullivan was the only one of the three to win the semi finalist honor. That title  was given to the top 1% of scores, which would make up around 16,000 kids in the United States. This allows Sullivan to qualify for the finalist award, which only about half of the semi finalists receive. 

To become a finalist, you must complete the National Merit scholarship application, which includes an essay portion. This can be challenging for students like Sulivan, as this makes the finalist award even harder to achieve. 

“I already submitted my application,” Sullivan said. “The application is kinda like your college applications.”

The test has been optional for students the last few years. There are Google Forms in which students can sign up for the test. Sullivan advised those who plan to take it next year to prepare.  

“Definitely make sure you’re studying and don’t put it off until the last minute,” Sullivan said. “Never too early to start studying.”