National Merit Semifinalists were announced Sept. 14. Twelve students from McNeil and 63 Round Rock ISD students qualified.

“To be named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, as well as their parents and teachers,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Flores said. “We take pride in celebrating our outstanding students as they strive for greatness and continue learning in Round Rock ISD schools.”

The students were selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Of around 1.6 million juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) last October, 16,000 advanced to Semifinalist standing based on state-specific selection index.

“We are really excited to celebrate our twelve National Merit Scholarship candidates,” Principal Courtney Acosta said. “This is a huge accomplishment. McNeil HS actually has the second highest in the district, and sometimes in some entire school districts they don’t get twelve National Merit Scholars. So congratulations.”

Seniors Max Bao, Matthew Golla, Amy Gravell, Larissa Herold, Andrew Huynh, Samagra Jain, Judy Li, Aanandya Mittal, Mary Moliski, Aditya Sankar, Arul Saraf, and Daniel Vega will represent McNeil in the competition.

“I looked online and saw my name,” Gravell said. “I was really excited. I knew I could get into a better college with scholarships and less debt if I can make it to Finalist.”

Now, the semifinalists have until Oct. 12 to submit an online application and SAT scores in order to be considered for a spot as a Finalist.

“I have to write an essay and fill out some information online,” Gravell said. “And the deadline is pretty soon, so I’ll have to work on it a lot in the next week and make it my top priority.”

Of those who advance, around 7,500 will receive a scholarship from the corporation or affiliated colleges and companies. According to the program, winners “chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments—without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference” will be announced from March to mid-June.

For the class of 2018, this year offers the chance to also become part of the scholarship competition. The PSAT/ NMSQT for 2016 will be administered at school on Wednesday, Oct. 19. It will not be an A or B day. All juniors and sophomores will take the test, and the administration is currently planning what the freshmen and seniors will do on the testing day.

Students taking the test have been provided with a PSAT Official Student Guide with practice test, and there is a school-made website with information and helpful study links (https://sites.google.com/a/roundrockisd.org/mhstesting/helpful-study-links).

“Take this test seriously,” Testing Coordinator Senaida Almeida said. “There are so many scholarship opportunities for those who score high enough. Do your best. You are all smart and very capable here is a chance for you to show off.”

Scores will be available online mid-December.