Seniors Lillian Cogdill, Brian Li, Jacek Musiol and Sonja Woerner are this year’s qualifiers for National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists for Kennedy High School which was announced to the public on Sept. 11, 2024.
“I found out I was a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist on September 7, a bit before September 11, which is the day the names are officially released to the public,” Woerner said.
It is an achievement for the students, one that they have worked hard for.
“My PSAT score, a test I took my junior year, was high enough to qualify me for the program,” Woerner said. “To qualify in Iowa, you need a 211 in the selection index. That number is converted from your PSAT reading and math scores. 16,000 people in the United States are selected for the program.”
To qualify, students need to do well on the PSAT. Some take it as sophomores to prepare to take it again as juniors for their official score.
“I am thrilled that Kennedy has four National Merit Semifinalists this year as only students who score in the top 1% on the PSAT in our state qualify,” college preparation teacher Jill Koch said. “The PSAT is taken in the junior year and is the main factor in determining eligibility. Only semifinalists have an opportunity to advance in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards. It is quite an honor for the students.”
Semifinalists must submit SAT or ACT scores, a letter of recommendation and an essay to get the opportunity to become finalists.
“This is an important program because if designated as a National Merit Finalist, students can expect big financial and admissions benefits when applying to some colleges,” Koch said. ”Each finalist automatically receives $2500 in scholarship money.”
Becoming a finalist opens up financial opportunities for college and can help students make their final decisions.
“On the condition that I become a finalist, I’ve been offered scholarships to Iowa State, so that’s probably where I’ll end up,” Woerner said.
Qualification for the program is difficult, but there are a number of ways students can prepare themselves.
“My best advice is to take classes that challenge you throughout high school,” Koch said. “Students should also prepare for the actual exams by taking practice tests that are available both online and in books that can be purchased online or borrowed through the public library. Sophomores should take the PSAT for practice so they know what areas to concentrate on improving before their junior year.”
