<p>Does anyone have a notion what distinguishes a $10,000 Coca Cola finalist from a $20,000 finalist. My son was fortunate enough to be named a finalist last week and earn a trip to Atlanta in April. The letter we received yesterday indicated that the kids would be individually interviewed etc... Is this something candidates can prepare for or will it just be a crapshoot by the interview group as to who gets the larger awards? </p>
<p>Believe me, we're not complaining but $10,000 more would be tremendous!!! </p>
<p>If anyone has been through the process, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>for the 252 finalists slelected this year, pending their arrival in Atlanta for the interview weekend, they will all receive the $10,000 scholarship. Of those 252, those who are rated the most highly in the interview process (approximately 50 of them) will be selected as National Scholars, receiveing the extra $10k making it a total of $20k. Those only receiving the 10,000 (the other 200) will be designated as Regional Scholars. Hopes this helps.</p>
<p>The finalist weekend is a blast - amazing kids from all over the country, great outings and social events, and Coke lavishing all kinds of gifts on them. My best advice as a parent of a former Coke Scholar is to go, have the best time you possibly can, and don't fret about the interview. There's not really anything to "study" for the interview, anyway.</p>