Blount Initiative

<p>I have been selected to interview for the Blount Undergraduate Initiative at the University of Alabama. I was wondering if anyone knew more about the process. I absolutely love the University and would definitely go there if I got into the program. I would love to hear from someone who has been through it and could share some insight!!! Especially after our national championship, it is great to be from Alabama!</p>

<p>Good for you. :)</p>

<p>When is your interview?</p>

<p>The BUI building is really nice and so is its housing. Have you visited?</p>

<p>What are you doing to prepare for your interview?</p>

<p>I don’t know of anyone in BUI, but my son is in CBHP there, and a key to their interview process is to look interested, friendly, and out-going (since having high stats is already a given). For CBHP, you must have very good presentation skills, but I don’t know if that’s important for BUI, but it can’t hurt. :)</p>

<p>Are you male or female? What is your intended major? They may ask about that.</p>

<p>Saban 1, it is great to be from Alabama. My son was also selected for the interview - we are from Tennessee. He too is trying to figure out the process. I read somewhere that they put applicants into the seminar type classes with the actual professors who teach the seminars. It gives them a chance to see if the student thrives in that type learning situation and the students a chance to get an idea of what they would be getting themselves into. Where are you from in Alabama? Do you happen to know what how many people are invited to the interview and how many will actually be invited into the program? He too is very excited.</p>

<p>I like the idea that the BUI freshman classes are held in the same building as the housing. And I think some profs live there, too. Is that right?</p>

<p>Right from what I understand. It really seems to be an amazing program - haven’t found a better fit for my son anywhere or any price. Also, New College offers some amazing opportunities, hard to believe they are on the same campus. U of TN has nothing to compare.</p>

<p>^^^</p>

<p>I really like Bama’s New College, too. It’s like the best kept secret, but it’s such a great opportunity for kids to create their own major.</p>

<p>tdoc44, I actually do not live in Alabama currently, but lived there for 10 years when I was younger! I now live in Iowa and am really excited to get back down south! I have visited the program before and seen the dorms which are really really nice!! I also talked to a current blount student who was absolutely wonderful! She really sold me on this program!! </p>

<p>However, like you, I have not been able to find very much information about it the interview!! I have not read about them putting you into a seminar, but that seems like something they would do! </p>

<p>Also, I have not been able to find it on the internet, but I heard blount comes with a huge scholarship which includes tuition, books, room, food, a laptop, and some extra spending money. Have you heard anything about that before?</p>

<p>As for your question, I do not know how many are selected for the interview (I have been trying to find out too) but about 100 people are chosen!</p>

<p>So you will be traveling from Iowa this weekend. Travel safe. My daughter’s (ninth grade) best friends sister is in the program - loves it. She could have gone about anywhere. I have not heard about scholarship money associated with Blount and I think I would have if it were the case - but hope I am wrong. I did notice several specific Blount Scholarships available through Arts and Sciences. This next week the Director of Undergraduate Admissions is going to be visiting my daughter’s school. If I get a chance I will ask her and pass any information on to you. What is your major? Have you looked into New College. Met some of the students associated with that program. Seemed like an amazing opportunity too. My understanding was that you could do Blount and New College. Should be a good time. Will look for you. Cannot be too many kids coming from Iowa.</p>

<p>I think there is a scholarship through the fellows program, so maybe someone mixed it up!! I do not know my major yet, but I am planning on going to dental school! However, I still love the liberal arts learning and don’t want all of my college classes to be centered around pre-dentistry. I have watched a short video on New college, but I will have to look up more about it! Thanks for the advice!! What is your son doing to prepare for this event? I have gone through the usual interview questions, but maybe I should be doing something more</p>

<p>Saban1 My son is doing absolutely nothing to prepare for the interviews and that scares me a bit. We will have a lot of travel time so I am hoping he will review the questions during the ride. Basically, I am encouraging him to be interested in what others have to say and to respond to questions honestly and directly. I am encouraging him to get to know the other students applying for the program because they are students he will be spending a lot of time with if he is admitted and chooses to attend. It is important that he likes them! Also, I am trying to help him see that although he really wants in the program and the interview process deserves his very best effort he has other options if it doesn’t work out. Basically, I guess I am trying to help him get over any anxiety he might have about the process. Seems like one of the keys to success is not to be overly anxious. Will your parents be able to travel from Iowa with you? I am very glad parents are being included in some of the sessions.</p>

<p>I’m a big believer that an interested and happy expression goes a long way during interviews. :)</p>

<p>Hi, I know it is two years later, but I am a senior in high school and I was invited to interview for the blount undergraduate initiative at Alabama this coming Friday and I noticed this thread. I was wondering if you could tell me about your experience interviewing and if you were accepted/went there. Or if you have any more information. Thank you</p>

<p>Bamagirl…</p>

<p>That student may not be posting anymore on CC.</p>

<p>You might want to make a thread about your question on the Bama forum here on CC.</p>

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