Maggie Duncan has no trouble coming up with dreams for her future. It's narrowing it down to one that's the problem. "I'm considering biology, research, and math. I can see myself working in a lab," says Duncan, who's always loved science. The Byrnes High School Senior, who attends the Scholars Academy at USC Upstate, has even more reasons to dream now. Recently, she received the news she's a National Merit semifinalist for the Class of 2026!
One of only 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide, and just several dozen from across the Upstate, Duncan now has the opportunity to compete for a National Merit scholarship. The achievement puts her in the top 1% of more than 1.3 million students across the country who took the PSAT, the qualifying test for the program. "It's nice to get recognized," Duncan says. "I am really proud of that."
Duncan is interested in attending the Honors College at the University of South Carolina, but won't rule out applying to Ivy League schools, like Yale, for example. The college experience is something she's become accustomed to, spending the last four years at Upstate through the Scholars Academy. "Being able to take advantage of all the university resources has been great," says Duncan. "You don't necessarily know from a middle school science class that you want to be a doctor, but here I've been able to figure that out." Now, she's ready for the next step.
National Merit finalists will be announced next spring. Congratulations to Maggie Duncan!