Has anyone applied to NSLI-Y?

[classact123]

Anyone on here alumni? What exactly are they looking for? I would love to apply for either Arabic or Persian. I looked at the “About the Application” section of the website and I’m not involved in a lot of clubs or organizations and I don’t play sports at all. Basically my only “award” is honor roll. Also, I’ve done only a couple hours of community service and I don’t have a job. I only have one real hobby, guitar, but I’m self taught so no one can really vouch for it (Maybe my parents can?). But I have a huge fascination with different cultures and languages. I often spend hours online watching documentaries and reading Wikipedia articles about different countries, ethnic groups, religions, etc. If I can at least show my intense passion for different people and cultures in the essay do I stand a chance at being accepted? At least as a semi-finalist?