Mission Bay senior named semi-finalist for National Merit Scholarship – Times of San Diego
Beach and Bay Press (Pacific/Mission Beach)
Local News and Opinion for San Diego
PACIFIC BEACH – Mission Bay High senior Julian Rosenblum was recently named a semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship competition for the Class of 2026.
Born in New York, Rosenblum went to the French-American School of New York in Westchester through third grade. At the beginning of fourth grade, he moved to San Diego and attended the San Diego French-American School through eighth grade.
“I chose to go to Mission Bay primarily to complete the IB program,” Rosenblum said. “Also, many of my middle school friends were enrolling in Mission Bay as well.”
Rosenblum’s International Baccalaureate coursework as a senior is rigorous and demanding.
“I’m taking IB higher-level English, history, and biology. Plus, IB standard level math, IB theory of knowledge, AP computer science, honors symphony orchestra, and Math 254 (linear algebra) through Mesa College online. I’m also studying for both AP physics exams with a tutor.”
Outside of school, Rosenblum plays the violin and piano. In addition, he trains to maintain his brown sash in Choy Li Fut kung fu as well as teaching classes at the studio.
“Between my own training and work, I spend lots of time at the Kung Fu school. I also enjoy playing video games with my New York friends in my spare time,” he said.
Sign up to get free Pacific Beach and Mission Beach news weekly – along with the Times of San Diego daily at 8 a.m. and breaking news. Update at any time. By clicking sign up, you agree to the terms.
When asked to comment on his source of motivation, he said: “I don’t have one specific motivation to do well in school. From a young age, my parents instilled in me that school is important, and I’ve always made pretty good grades.
“In high school, I’m further motivated to try to get into a good university and with college credit, so I’ve worked even harder to maintain straight A’s and good test scores. It helps that as I get older and older, the classes I take can be more and more aligned with my interests,” he said.
When the topic of possible college or university plans comes up, it is clear that Rosenblum sees a great number of options.
Join the 20,000+ people who get Times of San Diego in their inbox at 8 a.m. every day – plus breaking news alerts. We’ve also added weekly updates from San Diego neighborhoods! By clicking sign up, you agree to the terms. Select below.
“I’m considering taking a gap year, but either way will likely go to a four-year college. I’m applying to several schools, aiming for UCSD, UCLA, UC Berkeley, as well as private schools, including Carnegie Mellon and USC.”
Rosenblum is looking at schools that offer a strong program in computational biology, his intended major, or something adjacent like molecular biology, automated science, computer science, or another applied science.
“I’m still not set on taking a gap year,” he said. “I have heard from some family members that their friends in college who took gap years entered college more down-to-earth and self-assured.”
Free neighborhood news in your inbox
Join the 20,000+ people who get Times of San Diego in their inbox at 8 a.m. every day – plus breaking news alerts. And we’ve recently added weekly updates from San Diego neighborhoods – select community news below.
By clicking sign up, you agree to the terms.
ABOUT
Donate
Newsletters
Corrections policy
Contact us
Advertising and sponsorship policies
Reader submission guidelines and form
Privacy statement
Republication guidelines
Additional policies and guidelines
Terms of use
Donor transparency
San Diego residents need the truth. Help us report it. Join the growing list of donors investing in our community’s long-term future.
