<p>Wondering if anyone is familiar with this schol at NCSU, has any past experience that might inform. Seeking to understand criteria & competitiveness.</p>
<p>[Park</a> Scholarships :: About the Scholarship](<a href=“http://www.ncsu.edu/park_scholarships/about/index.php]Park”>http://www.ncsu.edu/park_scholarships/about/index.php)</p>
<p>See the FAQ’s. It says they expect over 1300 applications (over 1500 last year) for 45 slots, and I think most of those applicants are nominated by their schools. It’s extremely competitive. </p>
<p>See also [Park</a> Scholarships :: How to Apply](<a href=“http://www.ncsu.edu/park_scholarships/apply/selection.php]Park”>http://www.ncsu.edu/park_scholarships/apply/selection.php)</p>
<p>Anyone have any further info? Personal experience? Insight into criteria? Importance of essays vs. credentials?</p>
<p>Personal experience of my daughter (self-nominated due to being homeschooled): National Merit Finalist, ACT 33; SAT 2130; trained at the elite level in her sport (one of only 200 competing at that level nation-wide); also worked as an instructor in that sport; volunteered for years as a cantor in our church, extremely challenging curriculum, etc… Did not get an interview. She struggled with one of the essay topics and I think that might have been a big factor. I also think being self-nominated puts a student at a disadvantage, but that’s just a theory. I recommend spending a lot of time and effort on the essays. I suspect recommendations also count for quite a lot. The few Park Scholars I have personally met are very impressive - intelligent, accomplished, poised and articulate. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Thank you for sharing that, it does help. My son is self-nominated, because his school isn’t on their list. Actually Park office invited him to apply, based on his admission app; we had somehow missed the info on their website. He has very good grades & scores, and wrote decent essays … at least, I liked them 
But it seems that even getting to the interview is tough.</p>
<p>Again, thanks.</p>