“I kind of already knew, because I was within the score cutoff. This helps me with more scholarship opportunities.”

“I was happy that I got the score I did. [My parents] were also really excited for me. It opens a lot of scholarship opportunities for college.”

“I was pretty happy because I wasn’t really expecting it. [My parents were also pretty happy that they didn’t have to worry as much about college applications. It can help me get scholarships and other opportunities. I’m hoping ot be a finalist. “

“I lowkey wasn’t expecting it at all. I woke up super late that day and then went and checked  my score and I was like freaking out, because I didn’t think that it would happen. My parents were like super super happy. Now it’s better for college and they don’t have to pay as much, and it was a big relief. “

“I was just really happy to hear from my counselor. My parents were also very happy. If I become a finalist it will definitely help for scholarships.”

“I guess I was pretty happy. I was kind of expecting because my score was pretty high. I was originally planning on going to UTD so it basically lets me just get a full ride.”

“I was thrilled to find out that I was one of the semi-finalists. Honestly, I hadn’t heard from them for a while so I had forgotten about it, but I heard about it through my counselor, and it was just a moment of shock for me. I didn’t know how to react at first, but my parents and I were really thrilled and I’m so grateful for thai recognition. “

“I was happy. My parents we’re even more happy, and they were really excited for me. It gives me a lot more opportunities. “

“I was happy because it was a higher score than I expected. I’m going to get more opportunities for scholarships and it’s going to look good on applications.”

“I was pretty happy about it, because I was working pretty hard in standardized testing. I am going to try and be a finalist. I think it will look good on college applications, and hopefully help me get into a good school.”

“I was relieved, because I was kind of expecting it, but then I didn’t get like an email or something on the day and I was stressing, and the finally they called us in. I was glad. The suspense was over. [My parents] were really glad, because I’ve been hyping it up for a while, so if I didn’t get it they would have been disappointed. “

“I was kind of confused, because I didn’t really expect it. Especially since because I thought the index would be higher after it went digital. Now it will be a lot easier to get scholarships if I have national merit. “

“I was excited and proud. My parents just liked the message in texts. It helps me in college because it’s a factor that can stand out. I think Taylor Swift would be really proud of me, because she inspires me to do my best. “

“I was pretty excited and happy to see that, and I was glad that all my SAT prep carried over to National Merit. Over that summer I prepared a lot. It definitely is an honor, and I really appreciate it. I would like to thank my teachers and my parents. This will also help college financial decisions a lot easier because I’ll have some of that National Merit money.”

“I kind of expected it, because I’m lowkey a genius(just joking), but I actually studied for this one. My parents were happy, so it was all good. This helps [because] I’m going to UTD with a full-ride.”

“I was pretty happy. I learned about it at 10 p.m. when my friend called me and told me to check. [It will help], hopefully, with college admissions, it’ll help me get into the places that I want to, and help the finances of college.”