Every year, 1.5 million juniors nationwide compete to join the National Merit Scholarship program by completing their PSAT/NMSQT. Less than 1% of high school students advance to the semi-finalist round. Of this group, just under 15,000 reach finalist status. This year, Plainfield East proudly boasted three students who were announced as finalists: Stella Abarca, Mahi Kansagara, and Connor Orr.
To qualify for this highly competitive program, it requires diligent studying and dedication. Although these students all used different techniques to prepare for this test, they shared common strategies as well, such as completing Khan Academy courses and taking Bluebook practice tests. When asked if they expected to become finalists, all responded similarly by expressing that while they felt confident with their performances, they did not anticipate advancing this far.
To become a finalist, semifinalists are required to submit a detailed scholarship application, which includes academic records, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and awards. However, maybe the most crucial part of this application is a personal essay. When approaching their essays, each student focused on a topic that felt authentic and reflective of their experiences.
“I knew that nothing I said would be good enough if it didn’t come from the heart, so I just tried to write what I feel and be as true to myself as possible” said Orr.
Abarca chose to write about fast fashion, a topic she has advocated for outside of school, and Kansagara drew from her personal experience with the craft to write about her journey with Indian classical dance.
During their senior year at East, they encountered a new set of challenges when applying to colleges. They each faced difficulties along the way, especially with balancing academics, applications, extracurriculars, and a social life.
“In the end, I learned to prioritize what mattered most–not just my future, but my friends and family, too,” said Kansagara.
Kansagara recently committed to Georgia Tech where she will study aerospace engineering. Orr, who similarly wants to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer, weighed his options between Notre Dame and Alabama before ultimately choosing Notre Dame. Meanwhile, after much consideration between Notre Dame and Northwestern, Abarca has similarly decided to commit to Notre Dame, where she will follow the pre-med track.
Their acceptance into these competitive universities is a reflection of not only their academic success but also their involvement in extracurricular activities.
Orr is part of the baseball team at East and is also involved in DECA, NHS, and Science National Honor Society. Kansagara is involved in the Desi Student Association, NHS, tennis, and wrestling. Abarca is linked to clubs such as Badminton, Speech Team, NHS, and Math Honors Society.
These extracurriculars have shaped them into more well-rounded and outgoing individuals.
“By meeting so many new people, I have also been able to become a well-rounded individual because of this exposure to many diverse perspectives,” said Abarca.
As their senior year draws to a close, these students would like to leave some parting advice for the incoming freshmen:
“My main piece of advice to incoming freshmen would be to get involved with as much as possible, because it’s a great way to meet new people and become a much more well-rounded person,” said Orr.
“My biggest piece of advice is to surprise yourself. You should try to join a bunch of clubs, make plenty of new friends, or take an interesting class, but always make a conscious effort to try new things,” said Kansagara
Abarca reminds freshmen to prioritize both academics and lasting memories, “Grades are important, yes, but so are the people you meet and the experiences you have. It’s important to find a balance between schoolwork and just being a teenager so that you don’t lose out on the most memorable parts of high school.”