Record Number of National Merit Semifinalists at VHHS

Credits: Vestavia Hills High School

On September 10th, the National Merit Semifinalists were announced, including 24 VHHS students: Mina Hu, Lucy Manary, Lily Xie, Judy Yamani, Mariam Malik, Vivian Shi, Ayden Yother, Evelyn Kutny, Zara McKelvey, Tina Lou, Tina Gao, Syed (Nehan) Andrabi, Lance Wilkerson, Vaughan Milliman, John Lee Wimberly, Ryaan Singh, Aditya (Adi) Sheelavant, Eric Wang, Daniel (Hamp) McMurray, Jaymin Bae, Cooper Prier, Jack Hugunine, Pratul Danasekar, and Jeffrey Zhao. This is the largest group of National Merit Semifinalists in Alabama and the largest group VHHS has had since 2006! But what exactly does this mean?

Scholarships

Around 16,000 students qualify every year, which is roughly 1% of all high school seniors. The semifinalists compete for over $26 million in scholarships, which are offered by select universities and companies. After filling out an application, Semifinalists could progress and become Finalists in the spring. The University of Alabama and Auburn, popular college choices for VHHS students, give National Merit aid. The University of Alabama is especially generous and gives full rides plus more to National Merit Finalists, drawing in talent from all over the nation! 

Preparation tips

The class of ‘26 exemplifies academic excellence—we also have record-high ACT scores. The sophomores will have a practice run, and the juniors will have their chance at National Merit in October, so here are some preparation tips from the qualifiers!

Perfect practice:

• Lily Xie: For studying, I would definitely recommend doing the official College Board SAT practice tests on Bluebook because the practice PSAT tests provided are easier than the real test. Also, after each test, go back through and analyze each problem you missed and keep a record of them. Go back through your weaknesses, so don’t waste time studying problems you know how to do.

• Ryaan Singh: The English section is weighted double on the PSAT, and it is usually harder for most people, so I recommend you focus on studying test strategies for English and then completing practice tests for the English section. 

• Hamp McMurray: My best tip would be to practice with Bluebook and take your time, read carefully, and try to ace both of the first modules. The second is more challenging but doable. Not stressing yourself out is the best thing you can do.

Resources:

• Tina Gao: Understand the format because the digital version is rather new. Use the tools to your advantage, like process of elimination, highlighters, and the timer. Also, take practice tests to hone a strategy. Khan Academy has good SAT resources that help with the PSAT.

• Tina Lou: Do lots of past practice tests! You can find PSAT books at the library and practice tests online. 

• Evelyn Kutny: The Hoover library has a bookshelf full of standardized test prep books in the teen section.

Test strategies:

• John Lee Wimberly: Learning to use the online system and its features definitely helped. Pay attention in class, because your teachers prepare you well for the content! 

• Adi Sheelavant: For the English section, grammar is where you should focus your practice. Some people already know the most common grammar rules, but if you don’t learn them, it’s a make-or-break. For math, fully utilize your calculator, go as fast as you can, and only check your answers after you finish all the questions.

• Eric Wang: Knowing common shortcuts and managing time well helps a lot. 

Best of luck, and lock in, academic weapons!