Brookhaven High School senior Reid Roberson has been announced as a National Merit semifinalist, placing him among a nationally ranked group of academically talented students.

Roberson will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for one of 7,400 National Merit scholarships worth more than $32 million offered next spring.

To be considered, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and about half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship.

To become a finalist, the semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record through-out high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. Merit Scholars are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Three types of National Merit scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2016. Every finalist will compete for one $2,500 scholarships that will be awarded. In addition, about 190 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 3,900 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution. National Merit Scholarship winners of 2016 will be announced beginning in April.

Roberson is the son of Brad and Paula Roberson of Brookhaven.