National Merit semifinalist: Kristen Hsu | Green Valley High School

■ What college do you plan on attending and for what major?

I plan on attending Stanford University with a major in biology since I would like to be a dermatologist.

■ What extracurricular activities do you participate in?

I participate in Science Olympiad, mathematics honor society Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honors Club, National Honors Society, the women’s golf team, and play violin as concertmaster in the school’s Symphony as well as a soloist outside of school. I am also part of the National Charity League.

■ What do you do for fun?

For fun, I like to read, listen to music, and do paper crafts.

■ In detail, how did you prepare for the PSAT?

I went through a couple of sections in the practice PSAT given to us and tried to go to bed early.

■ Why are grades so important to you?

Grades are important because they reflect the amount of effort and understanding put into the work.

■ What’s your favorite movie and book?

My favorite book is “Terrier” by Tamora Pierce, and my favorite movie is “Castle in the Sky” by Studio Ghibli.

■ What’s a guilty pleasure of yours — such as a TV show, movie or hobby — and why are you ashamed of liking it?

Chocolate and cute, soft things like stuffed animals are my guilty pleasures, but I’m not ashamed of liking them.