I'm planning to apply for the National Merit Scholarship, and I was wondering if there's a way to find a list of past National Merit Scholars from my state. I think it'd be helpful to know how many students typically qualify and possibly reach out to them for advice.
To gather information about past National Merit Scholars from your state, you can follow these steps:
1. Check your local newspapers: Local news sources often publish lists of National Merit Scholars in their area. You can search through their archives (online or physical copies) for articles mentioning National Merit Scholars and their names.
2. Contact your high school guidance counselor: They might have information about past scholars from your school or surrounding schools in your area, as well as knowledge of how many students typically qualify from your state.
3. Reach out to your state's department of education: They may have records or statistics on the number of National Merit Scholars from your state. This would give you a general sense of how competitive the scholarship is in your area.
4. Utilize social media and online forums: You can try finding and connecting with past National Merit Scholars on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Reddit. Some scholars may be open to sharing their experiences and advice.
Please remember that although researching past recipients can be informative, the specific names or anecdotes may not necessarily give you a complete picture of what it takes to become a National Merit Scholar. It's important to focus on your own strengths and preparation, such as achieving a high PSAT/NMSQT score, maintaining a strong GPA, and participating in extracurricular activities.
For additional guidance and support, your high school guidance counselor and resources like CollegeVine can offer tips on improving your candidacy for the National Merit Scholarship.
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