Many seniors said they viewed the entire process with some skepticism, feeling that the election was simply a large-scale popularity contest.

Finalists agreed that the elections were based on popularity, but gave reasons for why they thought that was the case.

"At first I thought that it was merit-based," said Brandon P. Jones '00, who pointed out that the class marshals advertisement listed not only names and faces but also the organizations with which each candidate was affiliated.

But Jones said he thought the election was based on popularity simply because "it's difficult to sift through 91 candidates."

He added that he felt the final election would be more merit-based because of the smaller candidate pool.

Finalists said they were surprised or excited to hear the news over the weekend. A sign announcing the finalists was posted outside Wadsworth House in Radcliffe Yard; most finalists heard by word of mouth.

Olivia T. Hunte '00 of Adams House said her roommates weren't home when she was told that she made the list.

"I ran next door to tell people and get a hug," she said.