Q&A with National Merit Semi-Finalists
Jeremie Reese
- How did you find out that you had been named a semi-finalist?
A: “Gillian Lefevre was talking about the cut-off score at the Lemley-Memorial Tech campus, and I realized I qualified.” - How did you feel when you found out?
A: “Y’Know I felt pretty good. It felt like I had taken a qualifying test and qualified.” - Was this a goal of yours?
A: “It was, yes.” - What is the most exciting part of being named as a semi-finalist?
A: “I get my picture put up, big and pretty in my school’s main hall,” - How did your family react?
A: “They congratulated me with a hefty, ‘good job son.’” - What tips do you have for students who are hoping to one day become a semi-finalist?
A: “Get more sleep than I did, I was falling asleep at the test.”
Mason Simmons
- How did you find out that you had been named a semi-finalist?
A: “I was called to a meeting with Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Carr. They told me.” - How did you feel when you found out?
A: “I was exhilarated. Thoughts immediately raced through my head about next steps.” - Was this a goal of yours?
A: “Yes, my freshman year was a lazy year for me, so my GPA will never look as good as my sophomore, junior, and senior year were. This will look that good.” - What is the most exciting part of being named as a finalist?
A: “The prospect of a full waiver of tuition for 5 years is pretty nice.” - How did your family react?
A: “They were very proud. My dad immediately started looking at scholarships and financial advantages.” - What tips do you have for students who are hoping to one day become a semi-finalist?
A: “Practice! There is no better way to study for a test like the NMSQ than just practicing under that kind of pressure.”
Gillian LeFevre
- How did you find out that you had been named a semi-finalist?
A: “I was summoned to the principal’s office… Gasp! Totally thought I was in trouble, but I noticed other high-scorers walking in as well, and put two-and-two together.” - How did you feel when you found out?
A: “I was stoked!” - Was this a goal of yours?
A: “Absolutely.” - What is the most exciting part of being named as a semi-finalist?
A: “The most rad part is just being a semi-finalist.” - How did your family react?
A: “They were almost as excited as me, but far more proud.” - What tips do you have for students who are hoping to one day become a semi-finalist?
A: “STUDY + lots of coffee.”