Good afternoon! If you have been invited to interview (or were selected) for the National Scholars Program, I would be very interested in hearing your experience. What do you think “sold” you to the committee? What were your stats? Any tips for the essays? My daughter is a high stats kid, and Clemson is her top choice. However, as an OOS applicant, the National Scholars Program will be the only way to make this happen. I know its a long shot!
I’m sorry I can’t answer this but will be interested in reading any replies you get. Two years ago we were in the same boat as you exactly. Our top stats and incredibly involved & accomplished daughter did not get invited to interview. Seems like an amazing program though so these kids that get in must be top notch! Clemson had been our girl’s top pick and she was sad about not getting to interview, but she ended up on full ride to the University of Florida and couldn’t be happier so it all worked out.
Yes, I have a senior at Clemson who is part of the National Scholars Program. He was one of only eight his year. He loves the program and chose Clemson NSP over several other very generous programs at other universities. He would do it all again - it’s been awesome! High stats are unfortunately not enough - though high stats will get your student the highest OOS scholarship offer. There is no real formula I can discern as to who is invited to interview for NSP and who is not, as my NSP student is a twin. Both boys applied to Clemson at the same time with almost identical stats and only one was chosen to interview. My youngest - a senior in high school - just applied to Clemson with all of those same numbers so it will be interesting to see if he is selected to interview. We are not counting on it.
Congratulations to your son! What an amazing accomplishment and opportunity for him. Would you mind if I PMed you some questions? Thank you.