2024 National Merit Semifinalists at St. Mark’s. Photo courtesy of St. Mark’s School of Texas.

This year, the National Merit Scholarship recognized only 16,000 students out of 1.3 million juniors from approximately 21,000 high schools across the nation, with twenty-five seniors from St. Mark’s School of Texas among the honored scholars.

These twenty-five Class of 2024 members earned this distinction based on their outstanding PSAT and NMSQT scores. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced the semifinalists for its 69th annual scholarship program.

According to the NMSC, these 16,000 students, selected from the large pool of 1.3 million juniors, represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, making it a highly prestigious accolade.

In order to advance to the finalist stage, seniors must submit scholarship applications that include their academic records and their participation in school and community activities, demonstrating leadership skills and any honors or awards received. From the initial 16,000 semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to proceed to the Finalist level in the Spring.

“Congratulations to our boys for another accomplishment during their time in Upper School,” director of college counseling, Veronica Pulido, said. “While we focus on the journey, we also recognize distinctions. Upholding the high academic rigor of our school, these students have set themselves apart by achieving a high score on a national exam. This accolade will add to the profile of a student for college admissions. We are elated and proud to highlight these individuals for their academic achievement and commitment.”

Although this is already a noteworthy achievement, the Marksmen can continue in the competition for around 7,500 National Merit scholarships offered next Spring. To be eligible for these scholarships, semifinalists must meet specific requirements to attain finalist status, with an estimated ninety percent of them expected to achieve this milestone.

“I’m pleased to be in a group of so many of my classmates,” St. Mark’s senior, Zack Goforth, said. “The St. Mark’s curriculum has prepared me very well for standardized testing, and I’m hopeful this will be beneficial in the college process.”

Visit their website for a list of all semi-finalists from St. Mark’s and more information on the scholarship.