Whiz Kid: Marquette Senior Will Take Scholarships to University of Pennsylvania

Phillip L. Liu, a senior at has received a corporate scholarship from Pfizer Inc. in conjunction with being named a National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist. 

Students who perform well on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test can be eligible for National Merit corporate scholarships from companies that employ their parents. Phillip’s mother, Lin Zhang, is an associate research fellow at Pfizer.

“It was great to be named a Merit Finalist,” Phillip said. “I plan to attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall and the scholarship will be very helpful.”

Phillip has received other scholarships, including an Investwrite Scholarship that he earned in eighth grade. The Investwrite Essay Contest is an annual competition designed to teach students about investments and the global economy. As part of the award, Phillip and his parents traveled to New York.

“I visited the New York Stock Exchange and rang the opening bell,” Phillip said. “I saw how brokers trade stock and was amazed at how much money moves around. It was a highlight in my life.”

There is no doubt that Phillip is a scholar. He is a firm believer in Advanced Placement courses, which allow high school students to earn college credit through an end-of-the-year exam. Phillip took seven AP classes as a senior and five as a junior. He boasts a 4.6 GPA. He’s a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Chi Pi, an honor society whose members tutor other students in math and science. 

Phillip said he plans to seek a dual major in science and business at University of Pennsylvania. “I visited the college and the opportunities there are amazing. One thing I really like is the chance to work an internship at some prestigious institutions in the area. I think Penn will provide a good chance for me to be successful,” he said.

Extracurricular activities are also a part of Phillip’s life. He participates in track and field events. He has also been the member of the for three years, competing in state and national debate tournaments. He said he reads or plays basketball with friends to relax.

Phillip is the son of Liu Chang Nong and Lin Zhang.