55 Pleasanton High Schoolers Named National Merit Semifinalists

High school seniors across Pleasanton earned significant recognition this week as the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced its nationwide roster of semifinalists. In total, 55 local students qualified for the program after placing among the top one percent of test-takers nationwide on the Preliminary SAT.

The semifinalists represent several local campuses, with students from Amador Valley High School and Foothill High School leading the local contingent. These seniors now have the opportunity to advance to the finalist stage this coming spring, competing for a share of nearly 28 million dollars in undergraduate scholarships.

Reaching the semifinalist stage requires sustained academic achievement alongside top test marks. School counselors and campus staff are currently assisting the honorees with preparing their formal applications and personal essays for the next review phase.