The Blog

Cumpston Named National Merit Semi-finalist

Katie Cumpston

Recently, senior Katie Cumpston was notified that, because her PSAT scores were so high, she is a semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. The last student from Nebraska Christian to receive a place as a semi-finalist was Anna Faeh (’11) in 2010-2011.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation was founded in 1955 and has been an independent, non-profit organization ever since. So far, this annual academic competition has recognized more than 3 million students and administered over 396,000 scholarships. In order to be considered for a scholarship you must take the PSAT and score above a 201, be fully supported by your school’s principal or administrator, and have a consistently high scholastic record throughout all four years of high school.

Cumpston earned an impressive 211 points on her PSAT. She took the PSAT her freshman and sophomore years in preparation for junior year, so she was well practiced.

When asked where she wanted to attend college, Cumpston replied, “I don’t know yet, but I have been looking a lot at Oklahoma State.” She said winning a scholarship would affect where she goes. Cumpston’s advice to students looking to take the PSAT is to take practice tests so you know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Intelligent and proficient, Katie Cumpston is well on her way to achieving academic success.