The Woodlands Christian Academy senior Quinn Conrey scored in the top 1% of U.S. graduating seniors on the PSAT, earning him a spot as a 2027 National Merit Semifinalist.

TWCA communications coordinator Jamie Spikerman announced the recognition Thursday, Sept. 17. Conrey was among roughly 16,000 students nationwide to reach Semifinalist status out of approximately 1.3 million who entered the competition. Students qualify by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year, and Semifinalists are the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

TWCA's Instagram account, @twcawarriors, also celebrated the honor, calling Conrey a "scholar, varsity athlete, student leader … and servant" who "represents what it means to be a well-rounded Warrior."

Texas has one of the nation's higher cutoff thresholds. The most recent published cutoff, for the Class of 2026, was a 222 on the PSAT Selection Index, according to Mr. John's Test Prep. The 2027 cutoff has not been officially released.

Conrey's academic interests center on calculus, physics, engineering and emerging technology. He has conducted independent research on quantum circuits and wants to pursue advanced study in the quantum field. Conrey said he wants "to make a difference as a Christian in STEM."

Outside the classroom, Conrey has played varsity football and tennis and held leadership roles in DECA and Science National Honor Society. Through those positions he helped grow student involvement and led service projects, including a community blood drive.

He also participated in a mission trip to Quito, Ecuador, served through National Honor Society, mentored children through Under Over Ministries, coached younger students and supported charitable fundraising efforts through National Honor Society.

About 95% of Semifinalists advance to Finalist standing, according to Kaplan. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is expected to notify scholarship winners beginning in March 2027. Of about 15,000 Finalists, roughly 6,930 will receive Merit Scholarships.

As a Semifinalist, Conrey is eligible to complete a Finalist application and continue competing for those awards.