Goodrich – Nick Misek, a Goodrich High School senior, wants to major in engineering before studying law. Thanks to great test results, his education may get a boost. Last year Nick and approximately 1.3 million students across the country took a Preliminary-SAT (Scholastic Achievement Test). From Goodrich High School, six students attained Commended or Semi-Finalist levels due to high-ranking scores.
“We typically have Commended students and Semi-Finalists,” said Goodrich High School counselor Geri Hammill, “but it’s unusual this year to have six.”Commended students include Brian Eisinger, Laurel Griffiths, Greg Kovas, Laura Parker, and Ryan Woolley. As one of only 16,000 Semi-Finalists, Nick now awaits his SAT scores to see whether he advances to Finalist ranking. He’ll likely find out in March, 2004, said Hammill. Students should expect the SAT to be tougher than its predecessor.“It was more difficult that the PSAT,” said Nick, noting his appreciation for teacher John Doerr’s Integrated Math V class.All high-ranking students who take the Pre-SAT may have a chance at scholarship funds, depending on the generosity of corporate or university sponsors, said Hammill, who has been nudging Goodrich students toward scholarship opportunities for the past 18 years.Along with SAT scores, Finalist status is determined by applications submitted by students, which must include the principal’s recommendation.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation also considers what courses are offered by the student’s school, said Hammill.