Four Santa Fe students have been named as 2021-2022 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists: Emma Bradley, Jaclyn Fan, Brandon Robertillo and Mateo Subieta. 

Becoming a National Merit Scholar begins with taking the PSAT in October of the junior year. The competition to be named a semifinalist is steep and the process is demanding. 

“If you’re working towards National Merit, make sure to keep grinding and trying to study for it.” Robertillo said. “…it’s very hard to get it. It takes a lot of work to get your score up and to the point of actually being 1%.”

The National Merit Scholar semifinalist nomination comes with many scholarship opportunities and recognition. 

“I wanted to do my best on the PSAT just to get those opportunities and to kind of try my potential at a test like that.” Fan said, “There are a lot of opportunities available.”

Semifinalists not only study but turn to former semifinalists for advice on how to achieve this honor. 

“Ask people who have taken the test how to prepare,” Subieta said. “Make sure you prepare very well, it’s all about being prepared.”

The chance to become a National Merit semifinalist is challenging but not impossible. 

 “Just work hard and believe in yourself,” Bradley said.