BERWYN, PA — A stunning six Conestoga High School students have been named among the elite young academics in the nation after winning college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships. Only 22 students from all of Pennsylvania received awards in the latest round.
This round of National Merit Scholar winners includes students selected for scholarships that are fully funded by colleges and universities. Separate rounds of National Merit Scholars were sponsored by major corporations.
Conestoga winners are listed below, along with their hometown, planned profession or course of study, and the university that awarded the funds:
A total 800 students across the country were selected for the final round of college-sponsored awards.
Counting the college-sponsored winners announced in June, a total of 3,600 students have received awards this year.
Winners are chosen from a pool of 16,000 semifinalists, who themselves were selected from nearly 2 million students who scored well on the PSATs.
Winners are selected based on “accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies,” the corporation says. Academically, this is chiefly judged by standardized test scores on PSAT, as well as grades in school classes. Outside of the classroom, judges look at an essay written by the finalist, a letter of recommendation by a high school official, and various contributions to the school and community.
A total of 146 higher education institutions participate in the program, including 72 public and 74 private schools.
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