Sept. 18, 2026—A total of 32 CFISD seniors representing eight high schools were confirmed as semifinalists in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program, officials announced on Sept. 9, allowing academically talented students to continue in the competition for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million.  

The following CFISD students have been named National Merit semifinalists:

The 32 semifinalists are among the more than 16,000 students throughout the U.S. who represent the top 1% of students who entered the Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit School Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year.

To become a finalist, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application, including information about academic records, participating in school and community activities, leadership skills, employment, and honors and awards. In addition to the scholarship application, semifinalists must be endorsed by a high school official, write an essay and earn an SAT or ACT score that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

Qualifying students will be notified of their final designation in February, with National Merit Scholarship winners announced beginning in April and concluding in July.