What's Happening in McLean, VA…

An impressive total of 32 McLean high school students are among the recently announced 16,000 or so semi-finalists for the 2021 National Merit Scholarships.

Fewer than 1% of U.S. high school seniors are included in the semi-finalists. Qualifying for the Scholarships started for these seniors in 2019 when 1.5 million students, as juniors, took the qualifying SAT/National Merit Scholarship Test. Each state’s highest scoring students became semi-finalists in the same number as its proportion of U.S. graduating seniors.

To be considered a finalist, a scholarship application needs to be submitted detailing the student’s academic record, demonstration of leadership abilities, participation in community and school activities, employment, and honors and awards. Additionally, the applicants that make it into the finalists must receive a high school official’s recommendation, have an outstanding academic record, and write an essay.

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In spring of 2021, about 7,600 scholarships worth over $30m will be awarded in three types. On a state-representational basis, $2,500 scholarships will be given to 2,500 students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Additionally, 4,100 awards from colleges and universities and 1,000 corporate-sponsored scholarships will be allotted by 220 corporations and business organizations.

The breakdown of semi-finalists from McLean is as follows: Langley H.S. – 13, McLean H.S. – 11, The Potomac School – 5, The Madeira School – 2, and BASIS Independent McLean – 1.

Between April and July 2021, four groups of winners will be announced.