National Merit semifinalist: Sandeep Srinivasan | Green Valley High School

I hope to attend Stanford University and major in electrical engineering and computer science. This field interests me because I have an affinity for both science and math.

■ What extracurricular activities do you participate in?

I am involved in numerous clubs, including National Honor Society, International Baccalaureate Honor Society, varsity quiz, and mathematics honor society Mu Alpha Theta, which involves tutoring students struggling with math. Additionally, I am on the varsity tennis team and am a member of the Symphony Orchestra.

■ What do you do for fun?

For fun I play pingpong, take part in Indian cultural activities, hang out with friends and watch TV and movies.

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

I prepared for the PSAT by studying various SAT vocabulary words and taking several practice tests.

■ Why are grades so important to you?

Grades are so important to me because I want to prepare myself optimally for difficult university courses.

■ What’s your favorite movie and book?

My favorite movie is “Forrest Gump,” and my favorite book is “Freakonomics.”

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

A guilty pleasure that I have is watching the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” I am ashamed of liking it because I have already seen every single episode.