Ethan DeLuca

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

I was happy and somewhat relieved. I knew I would probably become a finalist, but I still worried a bit.

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

Test-taking skills, definitely. Being able to quickly and accurately move through the questions on the PSAT has got to be the most important step towards becoming a National Merit Finalist.

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

If computer programming counts as an academic area, then that’s it, but other than that, I don’t have one subject that I like significantly more than others. Math is interesting, and so are science, also English, and history too.

4. What are you planning to pursue in college?

I will pursue computer science as a major, and probably Spanish and something related to computer science, like cybersecurity, as minors.

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

I’ll be going to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. I chose Alabama because I liked the campus and its programs and because they offer an excellent National Merit Finalist package. The scholarships given to all National Merit Finalists include five years of free tuition, four years of almost free housing, and additional stipends.

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

In sixth grade, a regular doctor’s checkup revealed an irregularity that eventually led to the discovery and removal of a tumor near my right kidney. That sounds scary, and it was for my parents and family. I wrote my essay on how it wasn’t that bad for me. I used that experience to explain how calmness is a very important personal characteristic.