National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Announced

By Tanjua Damon

Two Newtown High School seniors have been named National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists.

Jeff Corbeil and Stephen Ambrogio scored high enough on their PSATs during their junior year to be in the running for a Merit Scholarship with 16,000 other students in the country. There are three categories (math, verbal, and written), in each of which students can score up to 80 points, for a possible total of 240 points. The point range changes each year depending on how well students perform nationwide on the test.

Jeff totaled 227 on the PSAT. He has since taken the SAT twice, the first time achieving a 1410 and the second improving to a 1530. Jeff is looking into Brown, Cornell, and UConn as possible colleges for next year.

“I feel pretty good. As you get these things, it’s more stuff to put on an application for college,” he said. “You challenge yourself to where you want to apply to places you didn’t think you could before.”

Stephen scored 219 on the PSAT. He has only taken the SAT once and received a 1500. He is not sure if he will take the standardized test again, but is happy with his initial results. He is considering MIT, Brandeis, Princeton, and UConn for next year.

“I feel honored and privileged. At the same time I feel it is just one test,” he said. “I test well. There are other people in this school who deserve the same recognition, but don’t test as well.”

Both Jeff and Stephen said that their extensive study and preparation for the SAT test helped them significantly.

“Probably the most helpful was to become familiar with the questions. You can’t know the exact vocabulary word, but you can have an idea of how the question will be asked,” Jeff said. “You can do fairly well if you practice. I took something through school. Every Tuesday and Thursday I practiced for the SAT. If you think you can do well, you will.”

Stephen advised future SAT takers to have a variety of knowledge and use some free time to gain knowledge that could be useful when taking the SAT.

“Get a broad background of knowledge,” he said. “What you do in your spare time can help.”

Good reasoning skills can also be helpful, Jeff said.

“Remain calm and clear headed,” Stephen added. “The answers come easier.”

Principal Bill Manfredonia praised the two for their accomplishments and said they do not like to talk about themselves.

“They are very talented and very humble,” Mr Manfredonia said. “They never take credit for themselves. They are so talented. The don’t rest on laurels.”

Donald Elliott, guidance director, was pleased to have two semifinalists this year. Jeff and Stephen are both excellent candidates for a merit scholarship.

“They really scored highly,” Mr Elliott said. “I think these kids’ chances are good, but I can’t predict; it changes every year. Just being named means a lot for college.”

Jeff and Stephen will have to submit an application with a number of things including grades from the ninth grade, a written essay, all SAT scores, and recommendations. They will find out in January/February 2001 if they are merit finalists.