D is torn and I'm afraid I do not have the experience to help her.

<p>Let her passion shine through; she should also definitely mention that it's her dream school, but that the scholarship is a big reason why she'd attend.</p>

<p>This thread makes my stomach hurt. Ds is the most earnest person I know. He'll never be able to pull off the cat-and-mouse game.</p>

<p>And regarding the scholarship . . . It'll be great if it comes through, but congratulations on achieving your dream!!! There are lots of scholarships out there to apply for, regardless of the outcome on this one.</p>

<p>YDS, S is most definitely not into BS. We never practiced interview questions or how to have a conversation -- by the spring of senior year he had plenty of practice with admissions interviews and such. We tried to remind him about the social graces, which is where he could have used a little more awareness at the time. He had only one merit award that required an interview, and it was ten minutes and very low-key, according to him. Other big scholarship awards (the ones at UNC, Duke and WashU come immediately to mind) do seem to have more of the recipient-as-ambassador vibe.</p>

<p>S's response to "what's your first choice" by colleges in these situations was also to blame it on the 'rents -- he'd also say we had to look at the money before committing. In this economy, I don't think any school will hold that against a candidate!</p>

<p>Curmudgeon had posted a couple of years ago about the "ambassador" role and I thought I'd bring it up. That said, there are some schools that give out merit $$ and there are no other strings attached.</p>

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This thread makes my stomach hurt. Ds is the most earnest person I know. He'll never be able to pull off the cat-and-mouse game.

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<p>I have often wondered if that is why some scholarship events have all the potential candidates there at the same time. It lets the school have a basis for comparison between applicants as they live and breathe. The one on one interview/meeting is balanced with the assesment of the applicant in the company of her "peers."</p>

<p>07dad, my ds is the epitome of the team player. He wouldn't shine in those group scholarships situations where I suspect the extroverted glad-hander would likely stand out. I hope his letters of recommendation convey his spark, which takes time to get to see but is SO there. </p>

<p>Or maybe he can just refer adcoms to his Facebook "Compare People" rankings, where his highest categories are "nicest" and "most well-mannered." :D</p>

<p>
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group scholarships situations where I suspect the extroverted glad-hander would likely stand out

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<p>I'm fairly sure that the noticable extrovert is NOT always likely to stand out in a good way. My S got what he did and he is a reasonable introvert. </p>

<p>The applicant's recommendations, essays and stat profile HAVE ALREADY BEEN ACKNOWLEGED by the applicant's admission offer and being considered for the scholarships. SO, these interviews and meetings are looking for something more and different that what those things already considered disclose about the applicant.</p>

<p>I have been led to believe that these meetings, especially where there is a group, are used to identify emotional and social maturity, not rush captain material. What has been relayed to me is that the noticeable introvert is not doing himself or herself any favors by not opening up in these situatons.</p>

<p>Both of my sons were invited to scholarship weekends at several colleges. They both also had one-on-three/four interviews for scholarships. One son needed no practice, possible questions, etc. The other, however, did need to prepare, and it paid off. It depends on the child.</p>

<p>Do a Google search here on CC (see above search tab) for "scholarship interview" and you'll find lots of good advice.</p>

<p>My D attended two of the big scholarship weekends. I really don't think it's possible to prepare for everything that you might encounter. Best to just be yourself, go with the flow and soak up all the positive attention! The scholarship events she attended were back to back weekends, one at in-state flagship and one oos. At both events, student ambassadors probed her with questions during social activities as to whether she would attend if she received the scholarship. Her response was an honest one, that it would basically boil down to money. She was also honest in that she told them she was/had attended another scholarship event. Her experiences included: an interview with panel of 5 faculty members where she was asked questions like "What are the last 3 books you read and what impact did they have on you" and "If you were a sushi roll, what kind of sushi roll would you be and why"; composing an essay on the spot in a computer lab; one-on-one meeting with a faculty in her area of interest for research; one-on-one conversation with Dean of Department; a group event where groups competed in putting together a lego structure; plus fun casual social events in the evenings such as bowling. One of the weekends fell on her 18th birthday and they gave her a nice gift basket with school tshirt, cap, etc. Both of these weekends had a parent's program at the same time so it was nice to be able to travel with her. Best of luck and enjoy it! No worries! They really want the kids they invite to these weekends so they will treat them well (or at least that was our experience)!</p>

<p>I don't think you need to be concerned about the BS factor... unless you consider making eye contact, shaking hands, smiling appropriately when someone says, 'gosh you have a terrific profile' BS.</p>

<p>Some teenagers need to role play in order to feel comfortable doing the above. Others do it naturally. I've seen kids fall apart in situations where they should have been stars... just for lack of practice. If your son's usual posture is looking down at his shoes when he's speaking to an authority figure, the two of you can work on more appropriate body language. This in no way will detract from his natural personality; will just make him easier to talk to.</p>

<p>I loathe interviewing adults who don't know how to make eye contact or smile. I can imagine that people who interview teenagers are less judgmental- but it's hard to evaluate someone fairly when they won't look at you while they're speaking.</p>

<p>OP here again. Back from D's interviews. No results yet...I'll keep you posted. D wanted me to say thanks to all that gave such wonderful advice. She had much to think about because of you. It really helped her focus on the task at hand. Ultimately, she was her beautiful shining self. (And yes, I stayed in the commons until they found me!) She was very happy with the day and loved every minute of it. So now I wait with a D that can't wait to get to college!</p>

<p>I finally figured out want this whole college process is all about. It is about that special moment when your child turns to you with a special look I can't describe and says, "I'm ready mom, this is where I belong". I know its not over, but that sure did it for me!</p>

<p>What a lovely quote--"beautiful, shining self". I honestly think that's what it's about; I don't think there needs to be BS. I heard that at my D's scholarship interview last year, she just honestly showed her passion (HATE that word!) This is just a time to show the committee/interviewers who you are. It doesn't have to be BS--I would hope that the interviewers can see through that. If you're excited by the school, say so and say why. I think it's legit for Mom/Dad/friend to role play.</p>

<p>thanks all-- we are waiting for the final scholarship info ourselves--but would just love to committ and be done......</p>