The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization that conducts the National Merit Scholarship Program, an annual competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships. Over 1.3 million high school students entered the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants.

Named a Semifinalist in September, Dyal was among the highest-scoring entrants in Texas and represents less than 1% of the nation’s high school graduating seniors. In order to advance as a Finalist, Dyal had to submit a detailed scholarship application that included information about her academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrations of her leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

Now, as a Finalist, Dyal will continue in the competition for the 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million. Those winners will be announced later this spring/early summer.