2008 Presidential Scholars candidates list is up

<p>Multiferroic: if you were on the list you should have gotten an envelope with information and instructions from them already. Once you get your ID and password you'll be able to access the actual application. Some people qualify for Art and the scores in the ACT/SAT may not be as high.</p>

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doesn't the candidacy depend on when you took the SAT? I got a 2310 on the March SAT (the only one I took) and got it, but my friend who took it in October and got a 2320 or something didn't. Neither did someone else who took it in June for a 2320. Very weird.

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<p>The testing date doesn't matter. But they don't count the writing section, which may explain why a 2310 qualified over a 2320.</p>

<p>Where on earth do the candidates for this honor find the time and energy to complete the application? I just can't get my D to bite on this one.</p>

<p>Bribery comes in handy</p>

<p>does anyone know how many essays there are/the topics??</p>

<p>besides the photo one?</p>

<p>nvm...ahhh it's so long</p>

<p>bribery!! nice idea j'adoube :) I'd like my son to apply, but this is one decision I will stay out of. The essays are challenging/time consuming, and since there's no money involved, I don't have a horse in this race. My son was repelled by the idea of meeting a bunch of politicians, so it's up to him whether the status is reason enough. So you're not alone, mammall.</p>

<p>zr, you want to know what the essays are about? Can't guarantee it stays the same every year, but here's what they were in a recent past year:</p>

<p>Long essay (2 pages including picture): "Please attach a photograph of something that or someone who has great significance to you. Explain that significance. Your essay should demonstrate style, depth and breadth of your knowledge and individuality."</p>

<p>Other essays (1/2 page each):
1. Describe any characteristics of your family or your community that have been important to your personal development.
2. Discuss some creative work that illustrates the way you see the world and the way you see yourself in the world. The work may be a scientific theory, novel, film, poem, song, or other art form.
3. What is the most significant contribution that you feel you have made to your community's well-being or the well-being of an individual or individuals in your community? Why were you motivated to do this? What effect do you think it has had on that person or the community?
4. Describe a mistake you made or a challenge you faced. How did you respond to that mistake or challenge, and what did you learn from your experience?
5. Name the teacher or instructor who has influenced you most significantly during your school years and whom you would like honored. (Note: Should you become a Presidential Scholar, the teacher you name will be invited to Washington, DC and honored for his or her accomplishments. Please be sure to print or type the teacher's name clearly). Explain the reason for your selection.</p>

<p>I called the application onerous in post #72, but some kids will still go for it. I think the essays count a lot. Activities too. Academics less of a differentiator--since SATs are high and GPAs of most candidates are also high. It is a long shot for any candidate.</p>

<p>Mammall,
We know kids last year who decided they had enough on their plates already and chose not to continue the application process. Another factor in the decision was that the trip to DC fell during graduation.</p>

<p>They added 300+ ACT test takers with a 36 who were omitted in the populous states (NJ, PA, MD, etc.) because they set the cut-off at 144. They should get their package in the mail and be listed on the web site by this Friday.</p>

<p>The revised list has been posted. <a href="http://www.ed.gov/programs/psp/2008/candidates.doc%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.ed.gov/programs/psp/2008/candidates.doc&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Looks like all students who got a 36 on the ACT (142-144 points) have been added to the candidate list. </p>

<p>Thanks for the heads up, tryingtorelax!</p>

<p>I would think it's more than a 36 in the ACT. As far as I know only 7 people scored 36s in Florida and they added more than 20 to the list.</p>

<p>I think you're looking at the numbers for the Class of 2007 in Florida. For that class, there were 7 who scored a 36 in Florida. <a href="http://www.act.org/news/data/07/pdf/states/Florida.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.act.org/news/data/07/pdf/states/Florida.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>ACT has not yet announced numbers for the Class of 2008.</p>

<p>I'm not sure they'll be much different. When S took it in April '07 only 4 had 36.</p>

<p>One of the kids on the list from CA whom my son knows made a 2380 on the SAT.</p>

<p>After my D faxed her ACT score, she also got the invitation, but her name has not been updated yet. I was wondering how they can omit 300+ kids from the beginning. I found out the organization where select these candidates this year was ACT. How they can overlook their own test takers?</p>

<p>hmm which sittings are they taking into account? i'm surprised that my 2370 in ohio didn't make the cut lol.. i guess 1570 for CR+M isn't that great though</p>

<p>Could anyone verify that the questions in post 89 are the same essay questions being used this year or, alternatively, would someone be willing to post this year's essays (for the benefit of the 300 or so late ACT-taking additions who haven't yet received their packets in the mail). Thanks!</p>

<p>mrsperiwinkle:</p>

<p>The questions in post 89 are from 2006, but I was able to find the 2008 forms (student and school) on-line here:</p>

<p><a href="https://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/PSAO/info/download_forms.cfm%5B/url%5D"&gt;https://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/PSAO/info/download_forms.cfm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>and it looks like the forms (and questions) haven't changed at all. Application must be received by 5pm Feb 21. Here's what they say:</p>

<p>"All application materials must be received by 5:00 P.M. Central Time on the deadline date. Any application materials not received by that deadline will render the student's application ineligible for review.</p>

<p>We strongly encourage the use of a courier service (FedEx, UPS, Express Mail, etc.) with a guaranteed scheduled delivery date. Please be advised that USPS Priority Mail does not guarantee delivery by a certain date."</p>

<p>Good luck to all!</p>