High schools that churn out the most National Merit Scholars?

Hello all, my younger sister is aiming for being a national merit scholar. She is in 8th grade now and we are pondering over the possible high schools she can attend. Which high schools produce the most National Merit Scholars? Any information regarding this would be greatly appreciated!

It's sometimes difficult to pin down specific high schools that produce the most National Merit Scholars because this data can vary a lot from year to year, and is also not always publicly available. However, there are a few consistent types of high schools that frequently see multiple National Merit Scholars among their student body.

Specialized science and math schools, such as Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia or the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, are well-known for their academically focused environments and often produce a high number of National Merit Scholars.

Magnet schools or schools with specialized programs focused on academics might similarly produce higher numbers of National Merit Scholars. An example might be Stuyvesant High School in New York City, which is a highly competitive public school with a rigorous academic program.

At the same time, larger high schools can also often have a good number of National Merit Scholars, simply due to the bigger pool of candidates. For instance, high schools with over 2,000 students, may more often produce National Merit Scholars.

Remember, the number of National Merit Scholars a school produces doesn't necessarily have a direct reflection on the quality of the school. Some smaller or less recognized schools may not produce as many National Merit Scholars, but may still provide excellent education and have highly qualified graduates.

Also, it's worth keeping in mind that becoming a National Merit Scholar is not entirely within the control of the high school, as the National Merit Scholarship Program is largely based on the student's PSAT/NMSQT score. However, a rigorous school curriculum can certainly prepare a student to excel on standardized tests like the PSAT/NMSQT.

So when you're looking for a school for your sister, it might be more important to consider the school's overall academic rigor, the quality of the teachers and curriculum, and the opportunities available for extracurricular activities and personal growth.

Lastly, it's important to remember that while the National Merit Scholarship is prestigious, it's not the key determinant of college admissions success or future accomplishment. Many successful students and professionals were not National Merit Scholars. It's important for your sister to strive for her personal best and to focus on finding a high school experience that fits her individual interests and goals.