UWF Top Scholars

Receiving the National Merit Scholarship has been a dream come true for me. I am so grateful to be able to get a high-quality education without stressing about finances. Having my undergraduate tuition covered by the scholarship will allow me to save money for a graduate degree later on while still enjoying college to the fullest — and at UWF, I'm sure to enjoy it. UWF offers everything I want in a university, from undergraduate research opportunities to beautiful nature trails to top-notch, student-centered faculty. From the very first tour, I fell in love with this school. I am ecstatic to become an Argo!

When I initially received the news that I was a National Merit Finalist, I was, of course, excited; however, I did not know the true significance of my accomplishment until I learned that UWF would cover my undergraduate tuition as a result. In addition, this achievement gives me the wonderful opportunity to participate in the FYRE program with a faculty member in my field of study, allowing me to conduct research in only my first year of college. I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be given these possibilities, and I am certain they will help me prosper throughout college and in the workforce. I am looking forward to learning and collaborating with the cybersecurity faculty at UWF, as the University serves as a leader in cybersecurity education. I am sure I will gain valuable knowledge from these experiences, and I am very excited to begin this journey.

I was thrilled when I found out I had been named a National Merit Finalist! I knew that this accomplishment was going to open up so many amazing opportunities for me. Being from Ohio, there are not a lot of schools that offer marine biology programs, and having my tuition covered gave me the push I needed to travel far from home. The ability to conduct independent research as a freshman was a priority for me, and UWF made it happen. I also appreciate the University's smaller class sizes and the sincerity of its professors. Going to UWF means that I can study what I love hands-on.

Having my undergraduate tuition covered through this scholarship means that I can place more of my focus on my studies throughout my education. UWF offered me everything that I could want from an undergraduate degree program and opportunities to engage in undergraduate research. The campus is beautiful with nature trails, a highly developed student fitness center, well-maintained student housing and an active student life. I've already been paired with Dr. Guillermo Francia to learn more about cybersecurity research in my first year of enrollment, and I can already tell I will enjoy working with him and learn a lot from the experience.

Being a scholarship recipient means I will be able to treat college more like an adventure rather than a financial burden, and for that, I am very thankful and excited. I desired to go to a small school that has more nature than concrete. I like how closely UWF is affiliated with Historic Pensacola and will take advantage of this as I plan for a career in archaeology and museum conservation. I am looking forward to UWF’s small class sizes and participating in the Kugelman Honors Program with other students who have the same outlook on college and studying as I do. I can't wait to explore the University, Pensacola and every opportunity the scholarship has to offer!

When I was named a National Merit Finalist, I thought of all the possibilities, scholarships and opportunities available to me at the University of West Florida. The college’s welcoming atmosphere, stellar academics and professors' genuine interest in their students was very appealing. With my undergraduate tuition and fees covered, I can focus on furthering my education and involving myself in all that UWF has to offer without worrying about the financial aspect of school. Attending a university that values me as both a student and a person is an amazing opportunity. I am very excited to begin my journey as an engineering student in a school that I know will support me as I reach my goals.

When I found out I was a National Merit Finalist, my very first reaction was shock. I could not believe I was receiving such a prestigious honor, exclusive to only thousands in the entire country. When the disbelief faded, though, I had an enormous wave of relief hit me, because I knew that all of my hard work had a tangible result. My academic efforts and abilities were being recognized on a national scale!

When I received the National Merit Scholarship from UWF, I was sure it was too good to be true! I toured the campus in February and fell in love with it, the focus on undergraduate research and the obvious commitment to undergraduate students. Every detail about UWF seemed to fit me perfectly, and it instantly became my first choice.

Finding out that I was a National Merit Finalist was, and still is, like a dream. I had never heard of the scholarship before my high school entered me in. I was surprised and honored as I progressed through each level. I’ve worked all my life to give myself the best shot at college I could possibly have, and yet never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined having it all paid for. I am so tremendously grateful and humbled at the opportunity that I fail to express the magnitude of my gratitude.

I found out I was named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist when it was announced over the intercom system during school in my last class of the day. I cannot wait to begin my first semester at UWF. The primary factor that influenced my decision to attend UWF was the cybersecurity program. Without having to worry about the expense of tuition or housing, I can focus on my education, be exposed to new perspectives and ideas and still have the freedom to explore the nature trails on campus.

I felt incredibly thankful to be named a National Merit Finalist. It will allow me to receive a completely free undergraduate education. After touring other college campuses, I felt like UWF catered more to the experience. The numerous opportunities for undergraduate research and internships were immensely appealing to me. I was able to meet with department heads and advisors who exemplified a faculty dedicated to providing students with plentiful resources and guidance for excellence. UWF has so many opportunities that will challenge and bring out the best in me.

I’m very familiar with UWF. I was a swimmer for the Greater Pensacola Aquatic Club in middle and high school and trained at the UWF pool and fitness center six days a week. I initially accepted an invitation to attend the Air Force Academy but suffered an injury during basic cadet training that precluded me from finishing the required training before the academic year started. I contacted several university admissions departments looking into late admissions and chose UWF. The admissions department welcomed me with open arms and made me feel wanted and welcome. I knew UWF was an excellent university, but that sealed the deal.

The National Merit Scholarship will help me pursue my degree because it helps me afford an education without going into debt. I plan to pursue a doctorate degree to become an aerospace engineer, and having my undergraduate paid for by this scholarship makes it easier for me to continue my education.

This scholarship will open so many doors for me. I plan to apply for the University’s nursing school next fall, and eventually attend graduate school to become a nurse practitioner, putting me in a position where I am able to help people and make a difference in their lives. Since I received this scholarship, I am so excited for my college experience.

I wouldn’t be able to afford my education without the National Merit Scholarship. It gave me the financial security to move to Florida from Missouri and allowed me to pursue my dream of studying marine biology.