A year ago, students Lily Gaston and Oluwatoyosi Egbebi retook their PSAT tests, and because of their high scores, were recently named semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Lily Gaston was 16 at the time of retaking her test, while Oluwatoyosi Egbebi was 15 in her junior year. Both students claim to have sought improvement in their scores and perhaps the chance to be a Merit Scholar. The top score was stapled a high 1520, and the two seniors came to a close brush against the top.

Egbebi said the test was, “Relatively easy,” and would retake it a third time if given the chance.

Meanwhile, Gaston declared it was, “Between easy and hard,” though says she would not retake the test.

The two of them are happy with their scores and say it was worth it and very rewarding. For them, becoming the semifinalists in the Merit Scholarship Program is both exciting and just a little bit nerve-racking.

To become a National Merit finalist, each semifinalist and their high school are required to complete an application that has information about the student’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership, employment, and honors and awards received.