Noah Schell

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

I’m excited, but since almost every semifinalist becomes a finalist, it wasn’t too big of a jump this time.

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

Being a good test taker for a few hours on one random Wednesday morning.

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

Mathematics. I love the process of discovery and working through elegant proofs. I think it’s cool. 

4. What are you planning to pursue in college?

Math and computer science.

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

Most likely, the University of Texas at Austin. 

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 how I thought of myself as a cartoon drawing of a mushroom. It’s important to me because at work, one day, a student of mine drew me a cartoon of a mushroom and titled it “Mr. Noah.” It means a lot to me.