October 5, 2017
Each year, 1.6 million students take the PSAT in October of their junior year. Those with the highest PSAT Selection Index scores are recognized for their outstanding performance, including MPA seniors Alissa Krohn and Sarah Ley. Both were honored with recognition from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. MPA is proud to have two students recognized for their “exceptional academic promise.”
Alissa is among 16,000 Semifinalists nationally who are selected from the 50,000 highest scorers. She will now proceed in the competition to be named a Finalist, which makes her eligible for National Merit Scholarship opportunities across the country. “It’s been really exciting!” Alissa said. “This helps when applying to colleges because it sets me apart as one of the top students in the nation.”
Though Alissa says she’s a natural test-taker, she is also grateful for her supportive family and MPA teachers that have helped lead her to Semifinalist status. She has started applying to colleges and wants to study chemical engineering. “Since fourth grade, MPA has influenced my interest in the STEAM field. My favorite classes were math and science in middle school here, but all of my other classes have helped me develop too,” she said.
Sarah received a Letter of Commendation, one of only 34,000 students whose performance ranked in this category. She was surprised to receive commendation, observing that Minnesota has one of the highest minimum qualifying scores in the nation. She credits her practice tests, classes, and teachers at MPA for helping her prepare for the PSAT and other standardized tests. Sarah plans to put this achievement on her resume in the future.
Both Alissa and Sarah said they always try to push themselves and set high academic goals at MPA and for their futures in college and beyond. All MPA sophomores and juniors will be taking the PSAT next Wednesday, October 11. We wish them well!
