Senior Cale Wheeler was chosen as one of over 16,000 potential recipients of the National Merit Scholarship. These semifinalists, announced Sep. 10 in a press release by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, will then be narrowed down to roughly 15,000 finalists by February for a chance to win one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships.
“I was very excited to learn [my selection] was official,” Wheeler said. “It wasn’t a complete surprise because I knew my PSAT score was high enough to qualify, but it was still cool when I found out it was confirmed. It’s not something that happens very often, so it’s truly an honor to have such a rare accomplishment.”
Semifinalists were chosen from the highest-ranking 2024 PSAT scores per state taken during their junior year of high school and are required to fill out and submit an NMS application by Oct. 8 to qualify for advancement to the finalist stage, which is expected to include, “the Semifinalist’s academic record,
participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment,
and honors and awards received,” according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Additionally, semifinalists must have been endorsed and recommended by a high school official and earn an equally-qualifying SAT or ACT score affirmative of their preliminary PSAT score.
“I would [advise] any student [hoping] to qualify for the NMS or any other scholarship to work hard and never give up,” Wheeler’s brother and UIL speech and debate coach Cole Wheeler said. “I know that sounds cliche, but it is true. Every hour, minute and second put into your education is worth it and will pay off in one way or another.”
The National Merit Scholarship provides many opportunities for students aspiring for outstanding academic success in their college career, and in the past has granted scholarships to over 389,000 high school graduates. Winners of the 2026 National Merit Scholarship are expected to be announced from April through July next year.
“My family was very excited for me, and they’ve been very supportive throughout my entire educational journey,” Wheeler said. “This is a big step in my goal of being admitted to a top-tier university. I’m very thankful for everything so far, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”
