<p>I didn't see a thread for this program (someone correct me if I'm wrong), so I just figured I'd start one! Is anyone planning on going to Girls or Boys State this year? Anyone who's already gone and can give some tips on the admissions process and what the experience is like? </p>
<p>I am really hoping to be selected. Since I'm homeschooled, I wasn't really sure how to get the process started, so I just called the state American Legion Auxiliary. At first, they said I'd have to get a counselor from my local high school to nominate me, which made me really nervous, but then I called my local Legion branch and they were really nice about it. I spoke to them several times on the phone, and they sent me a questionnaire and scheduled an interview. It's tomorrow, and I'm really nervous.</p>
<p>Right now, I'm feeling ok about my chances. They choose 300 girls from the state, but first each branch nominates a girl. I think I would have a better shot if they selected the 300 directly--I love politics and public speaking, but I'm not sure if I'm the best in my city! I have decent credentials, I think, but most of them are from political campaigns, and I'm worried that since it's the American Legion they'll either outright disagree with me, or they just don't like partisanship, period.</p>
<p>I'll post about the questionnaire and interview on Friday to help other applicants.</p>
<p>Hi, I got notified today that I got picked from my school I was not expecting it at all because the other candidates were all so strong, so I was literally jumping up and down when I found out about it!</p>
<p>I feel like you probably had your interview today but if not, here are some tips!
(but i think it may be different from place to place, I’m from Socal)
They first started off with questions asking about my school/extra curricular activities. I think it’s really important that you prepare for this part because I blanked out on some of them and they really want to know about ALL your activities! I talked about student government, speech and debate, mock trial, and my passion for art.</p>
<p>Then they asked me quite a few patriotic questions about the American flag and my views on this country! I think here you really need to show respect for the country(I talked about war veterans and how much I appreciate them)</p>
<p>Additional tips would be that since the questions are mostly open-ended, explain your extra curricular activities and why they are important to you! Also if you know anybody who attended this program before, ask them about the program and bring those up in the interviews as to why you want to go :)</p>
<p>Thanks! My interview is this afternoon, and this is really helpful. The questions they asked on the application were:</p>
<ol>
<li>How did you learn about Girls State?</li>
<li>What are your special interests outside school?</li>
<li>What are your extra curricular activities, clubs, offices and/or community service?</li>
<li>What are your future plans?</li>
<li>What do you think is one of the most pressing issues facing your community or state?</li>
<li>Why do you want to do Girls State and what can it do for your future?</li>
<li>Have you spent time away from home without family or friends?</li>
<li>Are you willing to salute the flag?</li>
<li>If elected to an office that requires it, are you willing to take an oath on the Bible?</li>
<li>Do you and your family reside in the state of Florida?</li>
<li>Are you returning to this high school for your senior year?</li>
<li>Why should you be selected for Girls State?</li>
</ol>
<p>Most of the questions are fairly straightforward, although number 9 is a little weird (as far as I know, there is no office where you are legally required to swear on a Bible, and what are they supposed to do if you say no?) but I guess that’s the American Legion for you.</p>
<p>I was nominated for Girl’s State along with 12 other girls at my HS. The GCs had us all write an essay on why we are a leader. From that they’ll narrow us down to 5-6 girls to be interviewed. </p>
<p>I’d love to go to this, because I’m very involved in politics. It interests me. Pretty much everyone else who wrote an essay is only interested in the program to put it on their college applications. -_-</p>
I was not expecting it at all because the other candidates were all so strong, so I was literally jumping up and down when I found out about it!</p>