Nathan Zhou

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

I felt really happy that my test preparation had paid off and that the work I’d put into my essay was worth it. 

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

The time commitment I put into studying and essay writing helped me a lot, as well as being good at taking standardized tests.

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

I enjoy math.

4. What are you planning to pursue in college?

I plan on pursuing a math or computer science degree.

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

Not 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 a mission trip with my church a while back, which helped to show me the importance of getting to know people different from yourself.