Union Catholic Senior Dev Nihalani Earns National Merit Commended Status

Union Catholic senior Dev Nihalani has been recognized as a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program for his exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). The recognition places him among approximately 34,000 Commended Students nationwide.

Nihalani's achievement reflects years of focused preparation and dedication to academic excellence. When asked about his test preparation strategy, he emphasized the importance of practice and reflection over repetition alone.

"The best way to prepare is with practice tests, and thoroughly going over the questions you got wrong instead of just taking another practice test," Nihalani said.

For students preparing for the PSAT or SAT, Nihalani offered additional guidance. He recommended reading regularly to strengthen reading skills and utilizing free online resources available to all students. He also noted that SAT preparation can be particularly helpful because the two tests are very similar in structure and content.

Beyond the test itself, Nihalani's achievement reflects a perspective that extends beyond scores. He expressed deep gratitude to both his parents and his teachers for supporting him throughout his academic journey.

"My parents and teachers support me every day," he said. "I am very grateful to UC for the opportunities I have been given for my education, and the classes I took definitely prepared me well for the test."

Nihalani also credited his parents with teaching him a foundational lesson that reaches beyond academics.

"I am also grateful to my parents for teaching me to have faith in myself and God no matter the result of any test," he said.

Union Catholic Regional High School, located at 1600 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains, is a college-preparatory institution structured around core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, and community. The school prepares students for college success while emphasizing character development and ethical leadership.

FAQ

Q: What is the National Merit Commended Student recognition?

A: The National Merit Commended Student recognition is part of the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students who demonstrate exceptional performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) are recognized in this selective group. Approximately 34,000 students nationwide earn Commended status each year.

Q: Who is Dev Nihalani?

A: Dev Nihalani is a senior at Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains. He was recognized as a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program for his exceptional academic performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.

Q: When was Nihalani recognized?

A: Dev Nihalani was officially recognized on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Q: How many students nationwide earn Commended Student status?

A: Approximately 34,000 students nationwide are recognized as Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program each year based on exceptional PSAT/NMSQT performance.

Q: What test preparation strategy does Nihalani recommend?

A: Nihalani recommends taking practice tests and thoroughly reviewing the questions you got wrong instead of immediately taking another practice test. He also suggests reading regularly to strengthen reading skills and using free online resources for preparation.

Q: Should students prepare for the SAT if they are taking the PSAT?

A: According to Nihalani, SAT preparation is very helpful because the two tests are very similar in structure and content. Many students find preparing for one helps with the other.

Q: What does Dev Nihalani say is important beyond test scores?

A: Nihalani emphasizes that success extends beyond test scores. He credits his parents and teachers for their support and notes that his parents taught him "to have faith in myself and God no matter the result of any test."

Q: What is Union Catholic Regional High School?

A: Union Catholic Regional High School is a college-preparatory institution located at 1600 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains, NJ. The school grounds its academic standards in a value-centered environment structured around core pillars of respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, and community.

Q: How can I contact Union Catholic?

A: Union Catholic Regional High School can be reached at (908) 889-1600. The school is located at 1600 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ.

Q: What test is the PSAT/NMSQT?

A: The PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is administered to high school students and serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Performance on this test determines recognition as a Commended Student or National Merit Finalist.