NEW ROCHELLE, NY — There are approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.
“We are so proud of this year’s group of recognized students, adding to the long tradition of academic achievement here at Iona Prep,” said Brother Thomas R. Leto, President of Iona Prep. Since 1992 we have had 152 students achieve Finalist, Commended Student, National Achievement Scholar, or National Hispanic Scholar awards through this organization, which is an amazing accomplishment.”
NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 420 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.