Garcia Early College High School senior Mia Joselyn Cuevas has been recognized as a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing her among the top academic performers nationwide. This distinction acknowledges Mia's outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which she diligently prepared for throughout her high school years.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. The students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT.
"Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. "These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success."
Reflecting on her preparation, Mia shared that her journey began as a freshman, using the initial test as a baseline to understand the exam's structure. Over the subsequent summers, she intensified her study routine, utilizing Khan Academy for daily mini quizzes in reading, writing, and math, and later focusing on full-length practice exams. Her dedication paid off, culminating in a letter of commendation recognizing her academic excellence.
"The most challenging part was managing my time during the math section, especially in the latter half where I often left questions unanswered," Mia said. "I overcame this by taking full-length practice tests at home to improve my reading speed and problem-solving skills."
With an impressive resume, Mia is an active member of the University Interscholastic League Spelling and Vocabulary, Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Student Council, Phoenix Quarterly, and the Youth Leadership Institute - Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
Mia expressed that earning the commendation was a rewarding experience, as it validated her hard work and enhanced her college application profile. She was overjoyed when she received the letter, knowing that it could positively impact her admission prospects to top universities. Her parents, Anahi and Eduardo Cuevas, were equally proud, having seen her dedication to studying pay off. “My parents were very proud of me when I came home with my letter of commendation because they would often see me studying on weekends or after school and they’d wonder why I was putting so much time into studying. I remember my dad encouraging me by saying he was sure I would get into my dream university,” she said.
Additionally, she volunteers her time within the community. This includes volunteering with Families for Autism Support and Awareness (FFASAA), Operation Border Health Preparedness, and Laredo Animal Protective Society.
As she prepares for the next step in her academic journey, Mia has set her sights on attending Rice University, though she is also applying to other prestigious institutions, including Yale, Duke, Stanford, and the University of Texas at Austin. She intends to major in Biology or Biochemistry, with aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon and serving her hometown of Laredo.
“We are incredibly proud of Mia Cuevas for being named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Her dedication and hard work exemplify the academic excellence we strive for at Garcia Early College High School. This recognition not only highlights Mia's individual accomplishments but also reflects the commitment of our entire school community to supporting student success. We look forward to seeing all that Mia will achieve in her future endeavors,” GECHS Principal Margarita Taboada said.
Due to her outstanding academic performance, Mia has attained National Merit Commended Scholar, College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award, LISD Technology Expo Logo Contest Winner for High School, Congressional Art Competition Winner for District 28, UIL Spelling and Vocabulary State Qualifier, and Scripps National Spelling Bee Qualifier.
For fellow students aiming to improve their PSAT scores, Mia advises a strategic approach: "Take a full-length exam before starting your study plan to identify areas for improvement. Consistent practice every weekend or every other week can significantly enhance your score and reduce test anxiety."