Wilson Gao
- How did you feel when you heard that you were the finalist for the National Merit Scholarship?
It was a welcome surprise, to be honest. I’d completely forgotten about it since I’m busy with other things, so hearing it did bring a smile to my face.
- What are some characteristics you believe helped you achieve this award?
I think some of my stronger points include responsibility and thoroughness, which I believe led me to receive this award.
- What is your academic area of passion and why?
Save for the medical sciences, I’m passionate about practically anything and everything. I love to learn new things so that I can see the world in new ways.
- What are you planning to pursue in college?
Currently, I plan on majoring in mechanical engineering and computer science, with minors in economics and music.
- Do you know where you are going to college?
Graduated early from high school and currently attending Washington University in St. Louis.
- What did you choose to write about in your main essay for the National Merit application? And why was it meaningful to you?
My essay titled “Hard-Headed” essentially details various experiences where I just powered through things, whether it be while playing chess, doing research, or solving a math problem. In it, I linked these scenarios to my physical head, which, as I mentioned in the essay, has been broken twice. Overall, it is a nice summary of who I am, describing both who I was when I was little versus where I am now.