Each year, millions of high school students nationwide find themselves behind the screen of a computer. To their right, a pencil and scratchpaper can be found to help work out tough equations. To their left, a calculator lies dormant until it’s needed to calculate data. The nerves begin to set in; this test can only be taken once. This test is the PSAT, and their goal is the National Merit Scholarship. After months of preparation, one OHS student has passed the test with distinction as a semifinalist.

“So there’s a selection index for each state, and I think for [Missouri] based on last year is somewhere between 214 and 218,” Alex Ottenlips (12) said. “I think the maximum you can get is 228 and that just takes your reading and writing score, doubles it, adds your math score and then divides by 10. I got a 760 in Math, a 740 in Reading and a 224 selection index.”

The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) or NMSQT (National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test) is run in partnership with the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 

“It’s a scholarship that you get through taking the PSAT or NSMQT your junior year that provides you an opportunity for scholarships through colleges and corporations when you enter into college your first year and it can usually be renewed each year after,” Ottenlips said. 

Students who become finalists receive a scholarship of $2,500, but different colleges offer varying funds to these high achievers. Mizzou, for example, offers full tuition to first-year students.

“I plan on probably going to Mizzou primarily because of the scholarship and also because it offers a good computer science program, which is what I’m interested in,” Ottenlips said. 

With only 16,000 students selected as semifinalists across the country annually, a qualifying score on the test requires scrupulous preparation beforehand. 

“So I ordered some books online from the SAT suite that gave instructions on how to prepare,” Ottenlips said, “and I took some practice tests in preparation in addition to taking the same test my sophomore year, although it didn’t count for the program.”

With less than 1% of test takers qualifying for the scholarship, it was not necessarily a shock that Ottenlips was the only OHS student who was deemed a semifinalist. 

“I was kind of surprised but also happy because it meant that I could afford college easier and reach higher,” Ottenlips said. 

Although qualifying for the scholarship takes great diligence and preparation, a positive mindset and healthy balance between school and home can be just as important. 

“I would advise [students] to study hard and keep looking forward,” Ottenlips said. “Keep your eyes on the future to try to make sure that you achieve your goals and not get too bogged down.”