Andy Huang, a senior at Valley Stream South High School, is already making waves with his recent achievement as a National Merit Finalist for 2025. The prestigious recognition places him among the top academic students in the nation, and it’s no surprise considering his remarkable academic pedigree and dedication.
We spoke to Andy about his journey, his interests, and what the future holds for him both as a person and as a high-achiever.
Huang: Thank you so much! It all started in 10th grade when I took the PSAT 10. The following year, in the fall of my junior year, I took the PSAT 11, which is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship competition. I felt pretty confident about my performance but didn’t know exactly where I’d land. In February, I was thrilled to find out that I was selected as a finalist. There was an application that included a personal statement and information on my extracurricular activities, both in and out of school, which helped me stand out.
Huang: My main interests are in science and music. I’m really passionate about both. I play the violin and am currently the concertmaster at my school, and I also serve as the vice president of the Triumph Music Honor Society. Outside of school, I’m involved in VEX Robotics as president of my team, where we participate in competitions. I’ve also done environmental science research, studying estuaries on Long Island and how they’re impacted by climate change. Balancing all of this with schoolwork can be challenging, but I’ve always found that time management and staying organized really help me stay on top of everything.
Huang: Khan Academy was incredibly helpful. It customizes study plans based on your baseline score, which really helps focus on the areas where you need improvement. I spent a few months using it before the PSAT, and the personalized approach made it more efficient. It helped me feel more prepared, especially knowing that the test would be tough, but I had done the work to succeed.
Huang: Honestly, I was surprised but also relieved. I had felt confident going into the test, but when I saw my score, I wasn’t sure if it would meet the cutoff. The score itself was a 1480, which is pretty high, but the cutoff varies by state, and I had to wait a year to find out if I made the semifinalist cut. When I found out, I was thrilled and it felt like all that preparation had paid off.
Huang: I don’t particularly enjoy standardized testing. I think everyone gets a little nervous before big tests, and the pressure can be tough. But I always try to prepare as much as I can, whether that’s with online resources or getting a good night’s sleep before the test. It helps reduce the stress and makes it easier to stay focused on the task at hand.
Huang: It’s definitely a prestigious achievement, and it’s something I’ve included on my college applications. However, it hasn’t dramatically changed my college search. I’m still figuring out which school is the best fit, but it’s definitely something I’m proud of as I start this next chapter.
