One of Christian County’s scholastic stars learned Wednesday that he’s been recognized as one of roughly 16,000 semifinalists for the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Heritage Christian Academy’s Jacob Bottoms was selected for this next round, after posting PSAT/NMSQT scores of 72 in reading, 72 in writing and language, and a 68 in math.
Of the 16,000-ish semifinalists, nearly 15,000 are expected to advance to the finalist level.
In order to become a finalist, one must further submit a scholarship application that provides detailed information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors and awards received.
Semifinalists must have possessed an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by high school officials, write a comprehensive essay, and earn lauded ACT and SAT scores that confirm earlier performances on the program’s qualifying test.
Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2023. All finalists will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis. Other finalist merit scholarships are sponsored either by a college or corporation.
At this point, Bottoms is very much in play for more success.
