NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September 29, 2026) — New Rochelle High School senior Justin Binu Daniel has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship competition, placing him among 16,000 semifinalists nationwide.
Daniel advanced from a pool of 1.2 million high school juniors who entered the 2027 competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
The semifinalists will have an opportunity to compete for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million that will be offered next spring.
“I was surprised to be named a semifinalist due to how competitive the program is,” Daniel said, adding that he “studied a lot” to prepare.
Daniel said his parents were excited by the news but focused more on the work he did to become a semifinalist than the accomplishment itself.
Daniel said he would like to study mechanical engineering in college because he enjoys solving problems.
At New Rochelle High School, Daniel is a member of the Wind Symphony and helps run the Model United Nations Club. He also mentors underclassmen through the Ignite Program and tutors and volunteers through honor societies.
To become a finalist, Daniel and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application providing information about his academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors and awards.
Semifinalists must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, receive the endorsement and recommendation of a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores confirming their earlier performance on the qualifying test.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
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