Every year, millions of students across the United States take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Although meant to help prepare the tester for the SAT, there are also scholarship opportunities associated with how well a student scores on the test. This year, two Xavier students earned the rewards of their success on this test. Xavier seniors Megan Korbel and Jackson Schuster were both named “National Merit Finalists.”

In order to gain finalist standing, students must go through a number of steps after completing the PSAT. Of the approximately 1.6 million students who take the test, 50,000 are recognized as “Commended Students.” These students are recognized for their scores on the test. From this group of 50,000, the pool of students is narrowed down to about 16,000 semifinalists. The finalists are then selected from those 16,000 students and are notified in the middle of their senior year. Both Korbel and Schuster are excited and honored to have the opportunity that has come their way.

“It’s an honor to be recognized in this manner,” Schuster said.

Although being recognized as a finalist is an honor in and of itself, the process does not end there. Students who have been selected as finalists have the chance to go through one final round of consideration for scholarships. Around 7,500 students will be notified in mid March that they have been selected to receive awards. These awards are selected without any regard to gender, race, etc. These awards are selected based on academic achievement, the recommendation of the school, activities, and an essay. Korbel and Schuster both look forward to the opportunities that lay before them.

Jeff Daubitz

News Editor