Landy Zhou Named Nat'l Merit Scholarship Winner

National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.

The scholarship winners were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high
school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the
Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied
and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
(PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay
written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official. 

“Landy has been a superstar at TJ since day one, and she is one of the most productive, intelligent, and well-rounded students I have ever encountered,” wrote Angela Audet, TJ Faculty member and Landy's advisor. “She strives for academic excellence and cares very much about earning highest honors, but this does not define her. From academics to visual arts, clubs, sports, and myriad other community activities, Landy stands out as a leader in the community and a model of excellence. In any initiative she undertakes, she envisions not just her own personal growth and accomplishments, but focuses on the whole group or organization, ensuring goals are set and met. Landy’s engagement and desire for excellence benefits all who have contact with her.”

This year’s National Merit Scholarship Program began in October 2020 when over 1.5
million juniors in about 21,000 high schools took the PSAT/NMSQT, which served as an initial
screen of program entrants. Last fall, the highest-scoring participants in each state, representing
less than one percent of the nation’s high school seniors, were named Semifinalists on a state representational basis. Only these approximately 16,000 Semifinalists had an opportunity to
continue in the competition.

From the Semifinalist group, some 15,000 students met the very high academic standards
and other requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. By the conclusion of
the 2022 program, about 7,500 Finalists will have earned the “Merit Scholar” title and received a
total of nearly $28 million in college scholarships.

About National Merit Scholarship Competition
NMSC, a not-for-profit corporation that operates without government assistance, was
founded in 1955 specifically to conduct the National Merit Scholarship Program. The majority
of scholarships offered each year are underwritten by approximately 400 independent corporate
and college sponsors that share NMSC’s goals of honoring scholastically talented youth and
encouraging academic excellence at all levels of education.