With hundreds of students taking standardized tests every year, students practice diligently to reach top-notch grades within their academic field. West High student Qinghan Jia’s (12) tenacity and dedication have earned him a spot in the National Merit Scholarship Program, a prestigious scholarship opportunity for students, as a semifinalist, harvesting the fruits of diligence and perseverance.
The National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP) gave the semifinalist position a “nationwide scholarship opportunity for people who take the PSAT,” Jia explained. “Your index score determines if you are eligible to be a semi-finalist, opening the doors for opportunities.” The NMSP holds fantastic benefits for eligible students, providing an entryway to other scholarships once the student has reached the prestigious finalist and semifinalist position.
Every year, West High School reserves the PSAT for Junior students, providing students with a chance to seize scholarship and recognition opportunities. As Jia consistently focused on improving his ACT scores, his efforts began translating into improvements in his PSAT score as well: “I was preparing to take the ACT around the same time . . . and the topics were fairly similar.” In Jia’s case, his extensive efforts in one test served to kill two birds with one stone. “Studying my weaknesses for one test seemed to reward me from both sides, ” he explained.
After months of grueling practice sets and self-checking mistakes, Jia took the PSAT. Jia’s high score enabled him to be eligible for the semifinalist position at NMSP. Though the mantra of “seize the opportunity” can be read as cliche, it is an apt description of Jia’s motivations for applying as a semifinalist. “The school had given me the opportunity to access this scholarship, and I had already finished the hard part . . . I think that we need to take advantage of those opportunities when they come,” he advised.
According to Jia, his status as a semifinalist gave him a “great feeling, it opened the doors for new opportunities and benefits that I didn’t see before.” Despite this eligibility, he knew that he couldn’t afford to relax— although it felt “good to reach a semifinalist position” Jia acknowledged that “the best thing to do is to not feel too cocky.” As Jia had not garnered the position of a finalist, he needed to gain eligible SAT or ACT scores that corresponded with his PSAT grade before being awarded a finalist position. “It’s not like the money is already won. I still need to finish the finalist application” he stated. “even when you’re a finalist, you’re not guaranteed to gain a scholarship. My job isn’t over just yet.” Until Jia reaches the finish line, he needs to keep “working hard, as I am still in the running.”
Students may feel intimidated when faced with these scholarship opportunities, viewing it as a daunting task reserved for the highest echelon of gifted students. However, Jia believes that anybody could attain a position like his. “It doesn’t matter what cards you were given, but what you decide to do with the resources and talents you already have,” he affirmed. Jia’s road had been paved through long hours of study to achieve high test scores in standardized tests, and he knows that other students could work to reach an equally great outcome.
Qinghan Jia’s diligence in academics and strong work ethic for the future exemplify the qualities of a true West Warrior, illustrating the gratifying taste of the fruits of diligence.
