Oakville Senior High School students Andrew Oliver and Michael Menkhus have been named 2014 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

An estimated 1.5 million high school students took part in the process that began during their junior year of high school, and only 16,000 were selected as semifinalists. Oliver and Menkhus are now seniors at Oakville High, according to a district news release.

Roughly 15,000 students will advance to become National Merit Scholarship finalists, and they will compete for an estimated 8,000 scholarships.

Finalists will be chosen based on their academic achievements, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and awards received. Essays and recommendations from high school officials are also part of the application process. The winners will be announced beginning in April.

Oliver is considering the study of bioengineering in college, while Menkhus is interested in an economics focus at college.