@ScubaMom Many thanks for the link to that YouTube video. I have used a journal article by the researcher mentioned, William Sedlacek, on the “non-cognitive variables” used to rate Gates applications to gain insight into what makes for stronger responses to the essay prompts. Seven of his eight “variables” match the first seven Gates essay prompts. They are even in the same order. Thank you to an earlier poster on this site for the link to the journal article: http://williamsedlacek.info/publications/articles/employing1.html
Can’t believe its March already! Decisions are just around the corner guys!
I’m going to be so anxious the entire rest of this week!
So it’s this month… I’m very nervous because I looked at one of my essays and realized I had misused “its”… the paranoia is real. I also just received my Cal Grant, will I only need to submit this if I become a finalist?
Whoops, my mistake again, it’s the Pell Grant that you have to submit correct? and that is only if you make it as a finalist.
Question to anyone who is a past Scholar or knows a scholar, if by you get the scholarship, do you need to keep a GPA of 3.6 in college to keep the scholarship? One of my friend’s sister got it and she told me this was true but I searched it and nothing came up about the requirements after you obtain the scholarship. Just wanted to know, if anyone knows any other requirements please feel free to include them as well 
are finalist decisions releasing this week? How do you guys know?
I read somewhere that they are releasing it mid-March, but exactly what day I’m not sure. I agree with above. Does anyone know?
@meandcandy The Gates Millennium website is the most accurate source of information about the details of the scholarship. The site currently states that finalists will be notified of their status in “mid-March.” That is about a week later than last year.
One person on the Facebook group found out today.
@nabintoud are you sure that is true
@elclassico She posted a screen shot of the email, so yea.
I’m a finalist guys!!! OMGFGGFFF GOD IS GOOD!!
Congratulations Marrissa!
Good luck to all you guys!
@Marrissa Congrats! That feeling is euphoric, isn’t it? lol
Finalist from Ohio!
P.S
The emails aren’t officially out. If you want to check you status early go to,
https://www.gmsdocs.org/?cbr=b14b20007a5485225b4e4c859c4c
That is the link to check your status early for the gates scholarship. Make sure to NOT put the dash on the ID part.
Hey @Jalaquan is this legit because I just looked at that link and it says I’m a finalist. If this is true thank you so much for letting me know.
So if you can’t login to that link you’re not a finalist?
I can’t login so I’m taking that as I didn’t make it
cry cry
This is what the portal says when I logged in with the link that @Jalaquan provided:
What does this mean?? Oh my freaking goodness does this really mean that I moved on?! I think i’m screaming right now 
No but I have school so I need to wait till lunch so I can scream into my counselor’s office. Okay but anyway congrats to all who are moving on!!! Whoo finalist from Texas B)