Senior Kate Shepherd was recognized as a Commended National Merit Scholar by Principal Jennifer Boren on October 9.

The National Merit Scholarship is awarded to students who show outstanding potential for academic success. Students who scored in the top 34,000 after taking the SAT qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, although Commended Students will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships they are eligible for special scholarships from corporate sponsors.

“It’s an honor, and it’s kind of exciting because it’ll help a lot with college scholarships, and it’s just a good thing to have on your application,” Shepherd said. 

Shepherd said she didn’t think much about the SAT so she was surprised when she qualified.  

  “I’d done a little bit of studying, but I didn’t really expect much to come out of it,” Shepherd said. “I did a lot of practice tests on their website, and they have things to help you study.”

Her advice for students taking the SAT is to be prepared. Your score will be higher the more prepared you are and the more studying you do. 

“It is definitely worth applying,” Shepherd said. “I wish I had done more studying, and now that I’m looking at it, there’s just lists and lists of scholarships that are offered for just a couple of weeks of studying.”