Officials of National Merit ScholarshipCorporation (NMSC) have announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 57th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The list includes Caitlyn Stewart, a senior at Blountstown High School.
These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $34 million that will be offered next spring.
About 1.5 million juniors applied last school year to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship. Semifinalists are less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors with some of the highest scoring in each state. An outstanding academic average, recommendation from a school principal, and a high score on exams, as well as an essay and application, are all part of becoming a Merit Scholarship finalist. Leadership activities at school and in the community are also considered.
Congratulations and good luck to Caitlyn Stewart! Watch for finalists to be announced in 2012.
