<p>I applied for this too, and have been waiting since the 11th for news (Honestly, out of 100,000 applicants I figured I didn’t stand a chance, but just wanted the verification). So I called the number (800.306.2653). If you listen to all of the “Press 1 for blah blah blah, press 2 for blah blah blah” deal, it says at the end to stay on hold to talk to a representative. Do that. I did, and she asked for my name and mailing address and then told me whether or not I had made it. That’s what you have to do if you haven’t heard anything. She also told me that everything had gone out, so especially if you haven’t heard anything. I told them about the people on their Facebook page too, so they should be rechecking their system soon. </p>
<p>I found out that I did not make it (not that surprised really), and will be focusing my efforts elsewhere. To those that did make it, congratulations! To those who didn’t, don’t give up, there are so many other opportunities. To those that haven’t heard, call them, stay on hold, and talk to a representative. Be polite and courteous, and you should find out what you need to know. Also, thank you all for keeping me sane as I watched this thread for news!</p>
<p>Just curious, coes anyone know the selection criteria? Does higher family income make it less likely to move on? The reason is I got into MIT early, but did not even make semifinals for the scholarship which felt a bit strange. If it’s just based off of academics/extracurriculars is it really this competitive?</p>
<p>Anyway, congrats and good luck to all the semifinalists! Don’t feel bad for me, as I’m sure there are those who need this scholarship more than I do. The extra cash would have been nice but not gonna kill me.</p>
<p>Got my email today, at about 12:30. Rejection for me, too. But I’m still waiting on Horatio Alger, Gates Millenium, and ELKS. Good luck to all the semi finalists!</p>
<p>I just received my semifinalist notification today at 6pm. I’m still in semi-disbelief! I literally applied the day before the deadline because I was so overwhelmed with school work. However, I don’t see my name on the list posted on their website. Any other semi-finalists experiencing the same thing with their names not on the list???</p>
<p>Just wanted to poke my head in here to see how you’re all doing and if I can answer any questions. I’m a 2012 National finalist, and remember how stressful this process is! While CC does stink at communication at this point, if you get to the 250 level they’re amazing at it. (It’s also much more personal at that level, obviously!)</p>
<p>In response to greenman2013, this scholarship is completely need-blind. (Really. Some of the Finalists last year were REALLY well off, and some not at all.)</p>
<p>The unfortunate part about this point is that they have to narrow everyone down somehow. It’s a numbers game to become a semi-finalist; they don’t have time to read 100k+ applications, so they do the math. They want someone well-rounded with lots of hours, dedication, and leadership experience. If you did 50 hours of volunteer work a week but nothing else, you’re not going to move on.</p>
<p>However, for those of you who made it to the semi-finalist round: they DO read every one of the applications. They have a large reading team, so about three people will read it. This is where you can get personal and show your character. And then all 250 finalists are interviewed by four people each to select the 50 National Finalists.</p>
<p>Sorry guys, but it’s too expensive for them to be personal with over 100,000 applications. If you made it, congrats! If not, try for another. There are tons out there.</p>
<p>(Also, last year I received the snail-mail confirmation about being a semi-finalist AFTER I found out I was a finalist, so don’t hold your breath for that.)</p>
<p>That link for the list is broken now. I wonder if they have to fix the list? D wasn’t on it as of yesterday but I was going to show her the list because a friend is on it. How odd that an email that was supposed to be sent out last Friday just arrived Monday at 6pm. Any other late notifications?</p>
<p>I had no idea this thread existed before today, yet I am not the least surprised with this being CC and all lol. Well, I am a semifinalist and I would like to say good luck to all of the others! Let the odds be forever in your favor, and mine!</p>
<p>Semifinalist also here! EXCITED!
So have you guys started the papers yet? and what are you guys planning on making the main part of your app? like what is your strongest aspect? Essay, comm. service, gpa/sat, extra curric., ect ???</p>
<p>To the fellow semi-finalists out there: Perhaps I’m the only one with this question, but I’m struggling with how to interpret the last essay. Are they literally wanting us to create a top ten list and then focus on whichever our #4 is? Perhaps I have just been writing too many essays this Fall, but that essay question seems peculiar to me. Is that how you all understood it as well?</p>
<p>Okay I had the same question. I know we write more about the 4th topic on the top ten list, but what do we put on the list…? Like ten things that distinguish us from other applicants?</p>
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