Milford High School seniors Jacob Peterson and Tyler Harpster have been named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.
More than 16,000 high school seniors nationwide, including hundreds of students from schools across Ohio, earned semifinalist status. Semifinalists represent less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors and are the highest-scoring program entrants in each state based on their performance on the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, commonly known as the PSAT/NMSQT.
The PSAT is not required, but both students chose to take the exam for different reasons. Harpster viewed it as valuable preparation for retaking the SAT, while Peterson recognized it as an opportunity to pursue National Merit recognition.
“I had already taken the ACT and earned a 35, so I knew I was a pretty good standardized test taker,” Petersonsaid. “I thought I might as well take it and see what my chances were of achieving this recognition.”
Both students emphasized that becoming familiar with the structure and wording of standardized-test questions is an important part of preparing.
“I think the most important thing is to familiarize yourself with the types of questions on the test,” Harpster said. “They are all worded in a certain way, so if you can see past that and understand what the question is asking, most of it is not too complex.”
Peterson encouraged students to prepare at their own pace and use official SAT and ACT study materials.
“The official SAT and ACT books are surprisingly good resources,” Peterson said. “Study at your own pace and be careful about trusting programs online that promise a dramatically higher score in only a couple of weeks.”
Peterson and Harpster now have the opportunity to advance to finalist standing. Approximately 95 percent of semifinalists become finalists by submitting an application, maintaining an outstanding academic record, writing an essay and earning a qualifying SAT or ACT score that confirms their PSAT/NMSQT performance.
Finalists will compete for approximately 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million. The scholarships will be awarded in the spring through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, colleges and corporate sponsors.
The distinction may also create additional possibilities as both students consider their plans after graduation.
“College is very expensive, so any money helps,” Peterson said. “The more financial support you have, the more opportunities you can explore.”
Harpster is considering Ohio State University and Purdue University, with Ohio State currently at the top of his list. He plans to study electrical engineering.
Peterson is also considering Ohio State, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology among his reach schools. He is interested in computer engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence or another field that allows him to use his strengths in mathematics and science.
For both students, being the only two semifinalists recognized at Milford High School this year makes the achievement especially meaningful.
“It is pretty surreal,” Peterson said. “A lot of my friends took the test, so knowing it was just the two of us who received this distinction is a little insane.”
Peterson hopes their recognition encourages other students to identify and pursue their own strengths.
“I think it is a testament to how, if you lean into your strengths and try as hard as you can, you can achieve great things,” he said. “It is important to recognize what you are strong at and dive headfirst into it.”