The PSAT is a test high school juniors take that is used to determine which students will be considered for National Merit Scholarships.
Richardson High School’s Nathan Lamoreaux, who is also a member of the all state band, recorded the highest score in RISD at 1510 out of a possible 1520. Three other RISD juniors – Julian Villamar Robbins of Lake Highlands, Katherine Dawson from Pearce, and Nicholas Webb of RHS – scored 1500 on the PSAT.
Overall, RISD juniors outperformed peers from across the state and the nation. Nearly 1,000 RISD students took the PSAT with a mean score of 1029. The mean score in the state was 935 and 986 in the country.
The National Merit process starts every October when about 1.6 million juniors take the PSAT. About 16,000 of the highest scorers – representing less than 1% of all rising seniors across the country – become semifinalists. In the Class of 2023, RISD has eight finalists vying for about $28 million in National Merit Scholarships.
A committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors weighs the student’s academic record, qualifying test scores, and leadership in school and community activities. An essay by the finalist and a recommendation by a high school official also factor in the final decision.
Congratulations to all of these exceptional students! #RISDBelieves
