Welcome back to the fifth edition of the “National Merit Semifinalist Spotlight,” where this week, the focus rests on finalist William Johnson, an MSMS senior. To describe his life and perspective as one of the twelve National Merit Semifinalists, William told us a little about himself, the PSAT, and of course, MSMS.

Johnson fills up his spare time with a variety of clubs. He is the president of Mu Alpha Theta, a student organization that participates in rigorous math competitions, and he is the co-founder of the Linear Algebra Club, otherwise known as the Finnish Club. He is also an active member in Physics Club and Science Bowl, and, when he has the time, he participates in Chess Club. Obviously, Johnson’s schedule is packed, but he manages to balance his clubs, his school life and his social life.

Looking towards the future, Johnson discussed how he wants to go to Williams College and major in mathematics or physics.

He states, “I am not completely sure what I want to do. Maybe something in research.”

Johnson expressed that he was unsure of his plans after college but knew he would enjoy studying something related to math or physics.

It is a common belief that in order to become a National Merit Semifinalist, one must study diligently in preparation. For some people that is not the case, but for others it is vital to practice.

Johnson recommended to anyone who is going to take the PSAT to “take practice tests and look carefully over the mistakes you make and try to find a pattern to those mistakes so you can fix them.”

Johnson had preparation from his previous school and took the PSAT his sophomore year. He also took multiple full practice tests before the actual PSAT that secured his spot as a semifinalist.

Johnson’s most difficult class is either Math Modeling or University English II. He says that both are challenging in different ways. English has always been his weakness, and Math Modeling takes up a lot of time.

His favorite class at MSMS, however, is Organic Chemistry.

“I really enjoy it. It’s fun thinking about how you have to synthesize different molecules. It’s kind of a puzzle because you can’t do the steps in any order you want.”

MSMS has affected Johnson’s life in many ways outside of just academics. He specifically touched on how the school’s atmosphere has changed him socially. He feels since coming here, he has been able to be more himself and more social. There are more people that he feels he can connect with, which has brought him out of his shell compared to before he started attending MSMS.