NJ Teen Wins National Merit Scholarship From J&J

A New Jersey high school senior just scored a major win that could help launch her medical career.

April Jiating Yu from East Brunswick High School received the National Merit Johnson & Johnson Scholarship, putting her among just 700 students nationwide to earn corporate-sponsored awards this year. The renewable scholarship can provide up to four years of funding, with annual stipends ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Yu's journey to victory began during her junior year when she took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in 2024. Her stellar performance earned her a spot among 16,000 semifinalists that September, alongside six of her East Brunswick classmates.

But making the semifinalist cut was just the beginning. Yu had to compile a detailed application including an essay, extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership experiences. She also needed stellar grades, a recommendation from a school official, and SAT or ACT scores that matched her qualifying performance.

From those 16,000 hopefuls, only 15,000 advanced to finalist status. Yu not only made that cut but also met Johnson & Johnson's specific criteria for their scholarship recipients, which includes supporting students pursuing careers in fields the company wants to encourage.

Why This Inspires

Yu's achievement showcases what dedicated students can accomplish when they combine academic excellence with persistence. The National Merit Scholarship Program, now in its 71st year, will award approximately $24 million in scholarships to 6,700 finalists this cycle.

About 115 corporations and business foundations sponsor these merit awards, investing in the next generation of leaders across various fields. These scholarships recognize not just test scores but the whole student, including their leadership, character, and potential to make a difference.

For Yu, who dreams of a medical career, this scholarship removes financial barriers and validates years of hard work. She can now attend any regionally accredited college or university with this support behind her.

Six of Yu's East Brunswick classmates also reached the semifinalist round, proving that academic excellence thrives when students push each other to succeed.