Merit Semifinalist Shares Inspiring Insights for Future Leaders

Xavier senior Mahima Sangera has been named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist (photo by Lisa Zuba).

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced this year’s semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program, identifying 16,000 academically gifted high school students across the nation.

These students are now eligible to compete for more than 7,000 National Merit Scholarships, with a total value approaching $28 million. The scholarship process is competitive; about 95% of semifinalists typically achieve Finalist status, and roughly half of the finalists will receive scholarships, thus earning the Merit Scholar designation.

Among this year’s semifinalists is Mahima Sangera, a senior at Xavier College Preparatory. This institution has a history of producing National Merit Finalists, continuing its tradition with Sangera’s recognition in the 2024 program.

Participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program begins with the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which serves as a crucial selection tool for over one million students each year.

Sangera credits her preparation to both comprehensive study techniques and stress management strategies. She utilized free practice tests from the College Board, review books, and educational videos on YouTube. Starting her preparation early, as a sophomore, she emphasizes the benefits this provided in reducing stress and enhancing confidence.

“Not only will that provide you with additional time to learn, but it greatly reduces your stress as you gain confidence in subject areas,” Sangera stated.

Familiarity with the test format was key to managing the pressure. Sangera recalled, “Right at the beginning of the exam, once the first few questions came up, I recognized them.” Her extensive preparation allowed her to feel at ease with the structure and types of questions encountered on the exam.

She noted that dedicated study can lead to significant score improvements. For instance, Sangera struggled with vocabulary but improved her skills by actively incorporating new words into her daily life. She recommends focusing on challenging math problems and delving deeper into specific areas of difficulty.

Additionally, Sangera has been actively involved in speech and debate at Xavier since her sophomore year, a pursuit she finds empowering. “I enjoy putting myself in situations where the outcome is entirely up to me, and it makes me more confident,” she remarked, highlighting how these experiences contribute to her overall growth.