By Sabrina Pickett
Staff Writer
Mira Costa honored a record number 32 seniors as National Merit Commended Students on Oct. 13 at a ceremony held in the administration building.
The commended students scored among the top 5% in California on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test, more commonly known as the PSAT, which they took in October of their junior year.
“This year, we have more students who received Letters of Commendation than we have had in the past,” Mira Costa Vice Principal Jaime Mancilla said. “It’s nice to see so many students rewarded for their academic achievements.”
Costa administers the PSAT/NMSQT on a Saturday and does not require students to take it, but most other schools administer the test during school hours and require all juniors to take it. In comparison, 60% of Costa students take the exam, compared to a near 100% for other South Bay high schools. Due to these differences, other schools tend to have more commended students than Costa.
“Myself, along with the other administrators, are looking into the pros and cons of administering the test during school hours so that all students will take it,” Mancilla said. “For now, we will continue to stress the importance of taking the test and hope that Mira Costa students give up one Saturday morning in order to take the test and benefit themselves.”
Though Commended Students do not directly receive scholarship opportunities, many colleges regard Letters of Commendation as displays of great academic achievement. This recognition enables students to express their intelligence and can be helpful in the application process.
“The number of students who receive Letters of Commendation does not benefit Mira Costa directly,” Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale said. “It benefits the students which, in turn, benefits Costa as a school.”
Most students take the PSAT/NMSQT to prepare for the SAT.
“I took the PSAT for college applications,” senior Kara Enomoto said. “I was honored when I was acknowledged with a Letter of Commendation. I, along with the other 31 students, have worked very hard, and this is truly a privilege.”
Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews is currently considering reforming the PSAT testing process with MBUSD.
“I’m very happy with the fact that 32 Mira Costa students received Letters of Commendation, and the board is continuing to discuss administering the test to all students during the regular school week,” Mathews said. “Until then, I will continue to encourage students to take the test on the set Saturday.”
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