Alan Song

1. How did you feel when you heard that you were the finalist for the National Merit Scholarship?

I didn’t feel that excited because most National Merit Semifinalists will become Finalists. 

2. What are some characteristics you believe helped you achieve this award?

I believe that the most important characteristic I have shown to get this award is integrity. I believe that integrity is the first thing that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation looks for when selecting finalists.

3. What is your academic area of passion and why?

Computational Chemistry. I chose this subject because I love both the variety of chemistry and problem-solving in computer science. This subject puts those two together, and I’m currently planning to pursue it in college.

4. What are you planning to pursue in college?

Computational Chemistry.

5. Do you know where you are going to college?

I think I will be going to Caltech, but I haven’t decided just yet.

6. What did you choose to write about in your main essay for the National Merit application? And why was it meaningful to you?

I wrote about the process of managing a multitude of different activities in junior year, hopping between chemistry competitions, debate, and more.