Two Bellarmine Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced more than 16,000 semifinalists nationwide in its 72nd annual scholarship competition. Representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, semifinalists are selected based on their performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Andrew and Luke are among the academically talented students who will have the opportunity to compete for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth a combined $24 million, which will be awarded in spring 2027.

More than 1.2 million students from approximately 20,000 high schools entered the competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT in 2025.

To advance to finalist standing, semifinalists must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership and involvement in school and community activities. They must also submit a detailed application, receive a recommendation from a school official, complete an essay and meet additional testing requirements.

More than 15,000 semifinalists nationwide are expected to advance to finalist standing, with notifications scheduled for February 2027. Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April.