About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2016 competition by taking the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

Melissa, who plans to study chemical engineering at a private research university, said IHA’s academic resources and support throughout her high school career have prepared her for success far beyond the classroom walls.

“IHA has always been a proxy through which I could reach the zenith of my academic potential,” Melissa said. “I was very shocked but at the same time honored to be presented with such a prestigious recognition. It was finally concrete feedback that all my hard work has paid off.”

Julie said she was ecstatic when she was named a National Merit® Commended Student, an accomplishment for which her family was very proud. Julie credits Immaculate Heart for preparing her for college and beyond, where she aspires to study architecture.

“IHA thoroughly provides an education that prepares girls to achieve statuses like the National Merit® Commended Student,” she said. “My English and mathematics classes have given me a strong background in critical thinking, which is very important to succeed in the PSATs and SATs.”