National Merit Semifinalist and college apps

Quick question—I recently found out I'm a National Merit Semifinalist. Is this a good accomplishment to include in my college applications, or will colleges not be too impressed by it?

Congratulations on becoming a National Merit Semifinalist! This is definitely an accomplishment worth including in your college applications. While it may not be as impactful as a Tier 1 extracurricular or a very unique accomplishment, it is still considered a significant academic achievement that can enhance your application, especially for less selective and moderately selective colleges.

Being a National Merit Semifinalist demonstrates your strong academic performance on the PSAT and can suggest a high level of competence in standardized testing. Additionally, it indicates that you are among the top 1% of high school students in your state, which showcases your intellectual abilities.

For more selective colleges, the impact of being a National Merit Semifinalist might be less pronounced, as a larger proportion of their applicant pool may have similar or higher achievements. However, it will definitely not hurt your application, and in fact, it still serves as a positive data point that supports your academic strength.

In summary, you should certainly include your National Merit Semifinalist status in your college applications—it showcases your academic abilities and can carry weight in the admissions process. Just make sure to also emphasize your other achievements, extracurriculars, and unique qualities to create a strong, well-rounded application.