Three earn National Merit Semi-Finalist Honors

By: Zuhayr Alam

Seniors Charolotte Brandenburg, Agatha Fenech and Tutku (Erik) Tazegu have recently been named National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists by scoring extremely high on the PSAT compared to other test takers in the state.

Fenech said she preparing for the PSAT was not unlike preparing for other tests.

“I prepared for the PSAT last year by working through the test booklet that they provided us, among other standardized test prep booklets,” Fenech said. “The tips in the booklet really help.”

Sophomores and juniors took the test earlier this week and will receive feedback and tips for exceeding their current ability when they take the SAT later on in December. However, only juniors who take the PSAT can be considered as candidates for the National Merit Scholarship.

Brandenburg was happy when she heard the news.

“I was really excited when I heard the news,” Brandenburg said, “but not nearly as excited as (counselor Susan) Langan was.”

Langan was elated when she heard the news. “I loved finding out who the three semi-finalists from our school were and got excited for the students,” Langan said. “It opens up a whole lot of doors for scholarships and opportunities.”

To be selected as finalists among the 16,000 semi-finalists across the country, the three must fill out an application about their current academic and extra-curricular activities, and take the SAT. From that group, finalists are chosen, and scholarships are given out to those who qualify to be finalists.

Tazegul said he thinks that the most difficult part has passed.

“Qualifying to become a semi-finalist is the hardest part in the process. After you qualify as a semi-finalist, you just have to fill out a brief application and write an essay,” Tazegul said. “Most semi-finalists move on to become finalists.”