Ganeles, 17, of Albany, who is also the Senior Class President, is the son of Michael and Diane Ganeles. All Juniors at Doane Stuart enroll in a free SAT preparation course, which Ganeles said was beneficial in his effort. He said the practice tests enabled him to build confidence and stay calm during the testing. He encouraged students to take the practice tests when possible.
“Brian is a positive presence everyday here at Doane Stuart,” said Interim Head of School Sharon Duker. “We are all glad to see that his hard work has resulted in this prestigious honor.”
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year. Of the 1.6 million entrants, about 50,000 with the highest PSAT scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
To compete to become a Merit Finalist, Semifinalists must demonstrate high standards, which include not only their performance on the SAT but also on the rigor and record of their academic program, their activities and school leadership, and on an essay. In February, some 15,000 Semifinalists are notified that they have advanced to Finalist standing. Beginning in March, about half of these students are awarded scholarships.