PUBLISHED ON September 15, 2025
Celebrating Excellence: Emma Tran ’26 Named National Merit Semifinalist
Archbishop Chapelle High School is thrilled to announce that Emma Tran ’26 has been named a National Merit Semifinalist in the prestigious 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program!
This remarkable achievement places Emma among the top high school seniors in the nation. She is one of over 16,000 Semifinalists who have earned the opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth nearly $26 million, to be awarded in the spring of 2026.
What It Takes to Be a National Merit Semifinalist
Emma’s journey to becoming a Semifinalist began with her performance on the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT®, a qualifying test taken by over 1.3 million high school juniors across the country. From this pool, only the highest-scoring entrants in each state—representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors—are named Semifinalists.
To advance to the Finalist level, Emma will need to meet several rigorous requirements, including:
- Maintaining an outstanding academic record throughout high school.
- Completing a detailed scholarship application with the endorsement of a school official.
- Showcasing her leadership abilities, community involvement, and academic achievements.
- Writing an essay and earning SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm her PSAT/NMSQT® performance.
About the National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization established in 1955, is dedicated to honoring academic excellence and encouraging students to pursue rigorous college studies. The program is supported by NMSC funds, along with contributions from nearly 300 corporate sponsors, colleges, universities, and individual donors.
Three types of scholarships are offered:
- National Merit® $2500 Scholarships awarded on a state-representational basis.
- Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships provided by businesses and organizations.
- College-sponsored Merit Scholarships from institutions that support student success.
A Bright Future Ahead
Emma’s recognition as a National Merit Semifinalist is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional academic talents. This honor not only highlights her individual achievements but also reflects the commitment to excellence that is at the heart of the Archbishop Chapelle High School community.
We are incredibly proud of Emma and look forward to supporting her as she continues in this distinguished competition. Please join us in congratulating Emma on this outstanding accomplishment!
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