National Merit Semifinalist Named
New Rochelle High School senior Justin Binu Daniel has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship competition, placing him among the nation’s top academic achievers.
Daniel was among 16,000 semifinalists out of 1.2 million high school juniors who entered the 2027 scholarship contest by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million that will be offered next spring.
“I was surprised to be named a semifinalist due to how competitive the program is,” Daniel said, adding that he “studied a lot” to prepare for it.
As for his parents, Daniel said they were excited by the news but focused more on the work he did to become a semifinalist than the accomplishment itself.
Daniel said he would like to study mechanical engineering in college because he likes solving problems. A member of the high school’s Wind Symphony, Daniel also helps run the Model United Nations Club, mentors underclassmen in the Ignite Program, and tutors and volunteers through honor societies.
To become a finalist the semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.