Every year, students from each state who receive the highest Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores in the state are recognized as National Merit Scholar Semifinalists [NMSS]. The 7 students for the class of 2026 that won NMSS are Uma Razdan, Sophia Rodriguez, Ammar Omar, Lily Polender, Ava Lekarczyk, William Kim and Isabella Musolino. These people worked really hard to achieve this scholarly distinction, but what do they have to say about it?
- How did you feel when you first found out you were a semifinalist?
U: I was super excited to find out I was a semifinalist. I was very proud of myself for achieving this goal, since a lot of hard work and dedication went into the process. One of my main priorities has always been furthering my education after high school, and the possibility of getting a full ride to an in-state college has been absolutely life-changing for me
- What does being a semifinalist mean to you personally?
S: It’s an honor to have made it as a semi-finalist. I wasn’t expecting it in the slightest, but I know how much of an opportunity it is. I know how costly college can be, and I’m definitely going to try my best to earn this scholarship.
- Do you think this recognition reflects more on hard work or natural ability?
A.O.: I think this recognition reflects more on hard work, especially hard work done early. Many others are capable of getting it, but only some have the initiative to start working towards it.
- What resource was the most helpful for studying?
I: I would say practice tests on blue book, and it was also nice that I was studying for the SATs at the same time, so preparing for them simultaneously was a help.
- Was there a specific class or subject at school that helped you the most?
L: A specific class, at school, that helped the most was probably sophomore year English, because we did a lot of grammar and vocabulary work for bell work. And I am naturally better at math. So that was beneficial for me to get up my score in the reading and writing portion.
- How do you stay motivated during stressful times like big exams?
L: I stay motivated during stressful times, like big exams, by maintaining a sleeping schedule. I always go to bed at 10:30 p.m., even if my homework’s not done, I get in bed and I go to sleep. And that I like feel like sleep is the most important aspect to make sure you feel calm and comfortable during tests.
- Who has been your biggest supporter throughout your academic journey?
A.L: It’s been a lot of my teachers, but definitely my English teachers, because in the past few years, they’ve really pushed me past my confidence in English, and I definitely think that my PSAT score kind of came from the fact that I was able to thoroughly analyze passages.
- What advice would you give to juniors taking the PSAT this year?
A.L.: The advice I would give to juniors for the PSAT this year is to not put it off. Study it beforehand, because if you want to get a good score, you need to do more than just cramming. Also realize that the PSAT, it seems like a really big thing, but honestly, the SAT is, like, a lot more important. So if you don’t score well on the PSAT, it gives you motivation to study for the SAT.
- How do you balance academics with everything else in your life?
W: I balance academics with everything else. I just kind of try not to stress out too much about it. And it’s just like one part of my life. I don’t try to prioritize it. So that way I kind of avoid stress.
- Do you see this achievement shaping your college or career goals?
W: I see this shaping my college goals a little bit because it takes off the money aspect, like tuition and other things, so I’ll be able to go to an out-of-state school.
