Seniors Elsa Brundige, Katie Vopat, Angela Neunuebel, Zoe Locke and Maria Arroyo were awarded the title of National Merit Finalists one week ago, upon the arrival of official letters from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The next step for them is to designate a first-choice university so they can find out the amount of money available for scholarships.

“For college admission, the recognition as a National Merit Finalist really sets you apart as just an absolutely top notch academic student,” college counselor Heather Henning said. “Some colleges really cater to National Merit Finalists and offer [finalists] substantial scholarship opportunities.”

The title of National Merit Finalist is not solely for the sake of esteem. To many, the most prominent aspect of the title is the scholarships that coincide with it. The PSAT taken fall of junior year determines acceptance into the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s semifinalist pool. Upon passing the first step of the process, as a semifinalist, those that hope to become a finalist must take the official SAT. They must then fill out an application and write an essay to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

“Before the PSAT, I had an SAT tutor, so we worked on PSAT material as well,” Neunuebel said. “I knew how important the PSAT was and the benefits of being a National Merit Scholar, so I actually did study for the PSAT by taking multiple practice tests.”

Finalist status is a prestigious honor that, according to Henning, less than one percent of high school students receive. Colleges’ incentives for National Merit Finalists range from the waiving of out-of-state fees to offering full ride scholarships. Merit scholarships awarded to finalists are different at almost every university.

“[Being named a National Merit Finalist has] made me feel confident enough to look at any school I want,” Arroyo said. “I don’t feel limited in my college search, and it’s just been really cool to be recognized.”