<p>I got an email a couple of hours ago saying that Duke has shortlisted me as a finalist for the AB Duke Scholarship, and that they want me to come for a visit and interview on April 5-7. Since I am an international from India, and in dire need of all the money (and all else) that the AB Duke offers - and since Duke is footing the bill for the visit - this is really a Big Deal, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. BTW, the email mentions that I have already been accepted for admission.</p>
<p>But, here comes the crunch. <em>sigh</em></p>
<p>My final school leaving exam, starting in a week's time, actually ends on - OMG - April 5! And unlike a school test, this is a public exam, involving 6,00,000 students, so dates are FIXED!!!! :( </p>
<p>Even if rush out of home that evening after the exam, and take the loooooong flight, the earliest I can reach Durham is April 7 morning - most likely pack-up time for the 41 other students called for the interview.</p>
<p>Why, oh why ... :( :( </p>
<p>As I wait with fingers crossed to hear about whether there is still a way to keep my candidacy alive, any suggestions from anybody out there?</p>
<p>Congrats on the nomination and I am very sorry for your dilemma.</p>
<p>I 100% recommend calling the scholarship office or whomever is in charge of the weekend and telling them your situation. The fact that they have nominated you for this scholarship means they are heavily recruiting you, and I am sure they could work out a way for you to be interviewed after everyone else.</p>
<p>Look at the contact on the email you received and respond right away. Let them know you are very interested in visiting and interviewing April 5-7.</p>
<p>Then tell them you are sitting for your final school exam on April 5, a date which is fixed for all students in India and no make up exams are allowed. Emphasize that this exam is required for you to graduate from high school - I assume that it is.</p>
<p>Tell them you will plan to take the earliest flight possible to fly from India to Durham. The earliest you will arrive is April 7th - I assume you have looked at the flight schedules. Remember that if you fly from India to the US you cross the international date line - so while it is April 5 in India - it is April 4 in the US. </p>
<p>If they are unable to accomodate your request ask if there is a possibility to do an interview via a video connection.</p>
<p>Good luck - it's a true honor that you have been asked to interview for the scholarship.</p>
<p>Alum007 and Westcoastmon - Thank you very much for your suggestions. I really appreciate it. I have now heard from Duke, and yes, fortunately they are still keeping me in running for the scholarship (which from this year is not only full-tuition but full-ride). I have checked the flight schedules and yes, I could have reached Durham on April 6, but as luck would have it, the meetings / tours / interviews will be over by 6th evening. They said they will arrange a video / telephone interview. I will give it my best shot - that's the only thing I can do now.</p>