ASTEC Student Named Merit Scholar Semifinalist- Fall 2009
ASTEC Charter High School senior Jacob Landers has been nominated as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
This prestigious honor is awarded every year to 8,200 students with a total of about $36 million in scholarships given. These scholarships are made possible by 500 private institutions and personal donations, as stated on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website, www.nationalmerit.org.
Although Landers has been nominated as semifinalist, he will have to pass another round of qualifications to be selected as a finalist and then may be accepted for the scholarship.
The requirements for becoming a National Merit Finalist are in addition to having some of the most competitive test scores and grades in the nation.
“Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQTSelection Index scores (critical reading plus mathematics plus writing skills scores) qualify for recognition,” the National Merit Scholarship website states.
From the original 50,000 students selected, the scholarship winners — only 8,200 students — must pass two rounds of eliminations and will be judged on their grade point averages, national test scores and extracurricular activities.
Landers is excited about the opportunity and says, “although OU is still the current frontrunner, I am keeping my options open and still plan on visiting Stanford and Rice University.” His plans are to pursue a career in law with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
In his free time, Jacob is working on writing a novel and recognized Dr. Bill Spaeth, ASTEC English teacher, for encouraging his love of writing. He also is on a recreational paintball team with his friends.
Landers will find out in mid February if he is a finalist and will have until April 27 to notify the National Merit Scholarship Corporation of his college of choice.
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