In the fall of 2015, Chris, the son of Rosa Allison-Rose and Kenneth Rose, of Morristown, took the PSAT/NMSQT test preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Rose's results on that test determined he met requirements to participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program. He was named a National Merit semifinalist in September 2016.
At that point there were more steps to continue in the competition. The application process provided information about Rose's "... academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, honors and awards received." Rose filled out the application forms, wrote an essay, included information about his academic history and submitted teacher recommendations. He then had to take the SATs. According to the NMSC program, those SAT scores confirm the student's earlier performance on the qualifying test.
This week, Mr. Owen McGowan, Oratory's Associate Head of School, received a letter informing him that Rose had made it to the finalist level. Rose's application is now being considered for the designation as a Merit Scholar.
"It is wonderful to see Christopher's scholastic abilities recognized at a national level," said Robert Costello, Oratory Prep's Head of School. "His natural talents and dedication to academics have rightly earned him a place among the nations brightest," Costello said.
The final step in the program is the awarding of monetary scholarships by National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Only about half of the finalists receive the monetary scholarship. Those will be announced between April and July.