National Merit semifinalist: Taylor Beck | The Meadows School

Taylor Beck

The Meadows School

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

I'm going to Vanderbilt University and want to pursue a career in computer engineering or physics.

■ What extracurricular activities do you participate in?

During my time in high school I've played varsity football and basketball, played in my school's symphonic, jazz, and pep bands, served as senior class treasurer and president of Film Club, been a member of National Honor Society and Key Club, and participated in school theater productions.

■ What do you do for fun?

I play music, make films, skateboard, snowboard, and spend time with friends.

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

I got a good feel for the standardized test by taking it both as a freshman and sophomore.

■ Why are grades so important to you?

I guess good grades provide a sort of gratification for academic effort, but I'd rather get a lower grade in a class but learn something that interests me than get an easy A.

■ What's your favorite movie and book?

I can't be sure because there are so many options, but recently I've liked Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange" and Albert Camus' "The Stranger."

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

I've never really been an avid anime fan, but I watched the entirety of "Code Geass" in a weekend. At first I was embarrassed that I had spent so many consecutive hours watching anime, but I've justified it because it is very, very good.