In a testament to their academic excellence, nine Emerson seniors have earned the prestigious title of National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, outscoring over 1.3 million other students across the country.
On Sept. 11, Frisco ISD announced that 146 students in the district have advanced to the semifinals for the National Merit Scholarship Program and nine of those happened to be our own Mavericks. This is an amazing achievement because it signifies exceptional academic performance, recognizing students among the top 1% of PSAT or NMSQT test takers nationwide. This enhances students’ college applications, attracts attention from selective institutions and provides a strong foundation for potentially becoming a National Merit Finalist.
“I felt a mix of both excitement and gratitude because I know it’s such a great honor … I would say it was one of those moments when I saw my long-term efforts finally count,” Yena Nam, 12, said.
This journey was not easy, as students studied months prior for the PSAT or NMSQT during their junior year in order to get the qualifying score for the state of Texas. Once students meet the semifinalist cutoff score and achieve general requirements, they would then receive an invitation to complete the National Merit Scholarship application.
“It’s definitely a lot of work to get to this point but I’m really grateful to get this award,” Neha Bhalla, 12, said. “I’m not done yet though because there’s still a lot of work to be done if I want to become a finalist and actually get the scholarship.”
The semifinalists structured PSAT study methods and schedules that also fit into their daily lives, making sure to leave time for their everyday school work and extracurriculars. While this achievement may have been challenging, these students proved that it is indeed possible. Even on days that were more difficult than others, their self-discipline allowed them to push through and make progress.
“My advice for the underclassmen is that you should focus more on consistency rather than visible progress,” Nam said. “You’re not going to jump up 50 points in just a couple of days. This type of exam requires you to put consistent effort and also to have patience.”
As these semi-finalists move forward in this competition, the Maverick community can take pride in their achievements. This honor is a product of not only the students’ efforts but also the dedication of their teachers and the support from their families. It is a powerful reminder to all students that with hard work and determination, national recognition is within reach. Congratulations to our semi-finalists, and best of luck in the next round!
