Spelling Bee Semifinalists Use Different Study Methods Ahead of Finals

Shrey Parikh, 14, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, reached the semifinals of the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee after finishing third in 2024. He works with three coaches, purchases word lists and study guides, and studies Greek and Latin roots along with language patterns.

He also competes in online spelling events throughout the year. Sarv Dharavane, 12, of Dunwoody, Georgia, also reached the semifinals. He has no coach, does not enter online competitions, and uses only Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged dictionary as his study guide.

Evans, who coached the past two national champions, said memorization is important because many final-round words lack clear language patterns. Sarv stated that his dictionary-only method produced a third-place finish in 2025, so he continued the same approach this year.

The two strategies reflect an ongoing discussion among spellers about the relative value of language mastery versus rote memorization. Both competitors advanced from quarterfinals held Wednesday in Washington and will compete for a finals spot on Thursday.