<p>The point I was trying to make is the one that Cav just mentioned. And yes, HopefulHoosDad, there are PLENTY of people all over college campuses that don't drink. Who knows what percentages are, but I've found one major difference between high school drinking and college drinking almost right off the bat:</p>
<p>In high school, many of my friends felt pressured to drink and didn't know how to turn down alcohol. It created many uncomfortable situations for all parties involved. </p>
<p>In college, however, if someone wants to drink, it's not difficult to do. If you're at a party and you're offered a drink you don't want, you can turn it down no questions asked. There's always someone around to finish it off for you! Save for a few Greek parties I've been to, the alcohol-related peer pressure is not too prevalent.</p>
<p>The point I'm trying to make is that a kid who wants to avoid alcohol in college doesn't have to try that hard because not many people really care.</p>
<p>But back to the correct topic: JEFFERSON SCHOLARS CLASS OF 2012!</p>
<p>They told me they'd respond yesterday or today with results, I haven't found out yet.</p>
<p>In the past, they've called me, and I think usually do for everyone else. If you're a finalist, you should get something in the mail from UVa too, but that comes later on.</p>
<p>I'll second kknight on that one. The committee chairperson of my region called me personally (actually, left me a voicemail and I called him back...that was nerve-wracking!) to congratulate me on becoming a national finalist. Arguably the best phone call of my life!! </p>
<p>A few weeks later I received a mailing from the Jefferson Foundation that had a congratulatory letter, some information about the weekend, and a bunch of forms to fill out and send back. Besides that mailing, I didn't receive much more from the Foundation until a week or so before NSW. Their office, however, is very helpful and friendly.</p>
<p>And just to point out, that even though they can't explicitly tell you "Congratulations! You have been accepted to UVa's class of 2012!" They have to "verify your acceptance" in order to offer you a spot at NSW, so once your "acceptance has been verified" they send you a letter.</p>
<p>What this means, in non-UVa speak, is that once you receive a call or letter telling you you're a national finalist, you have also been accepted to the University. I didn't believe this at first and called the office, and the receptionist was all too happy to tell me that achieving national finalist level does indeed mean you're in!</p>
<p>Congratulations so far guys, and good luck with the upcoming weeks and interviews!</p>
<p>I got it!!!
I didn't even get a call; my counselor pulled me aside and showed me the letter they sent him, there's one waiting at my house too! OMG I'm so excited!</p>
<p>Oh KK, I'm so sorry. I didn't advance at two very prestigious scholarship competitions last year (other universities), and it broke my heart. It's so hard when you make it step after step, and then no more. I'm gonna PM you.</p>
<p>Anyone know the process for an OOS whose school did not have the ability to nominate for the Jefferson? I recognize at-large nominations are very limited in number, but a know a couple of kids who have been hoping against hope that it could happen to them.</p>
<p>Well I was the one nominated from my school. My numbers weren't that great, but at least to the ex-Jefferson scholar who helped me my personality was. Oh well, I didn't make it.</p>
<p>at large nominations are tricky because they are essentially chosen by adcoms rather than by schools and invited to participate in the selection process. there is no way to "apply" because you have to be nominated, so if your school can't nominate you then you basically have to be nominated by the university. there should be more information available at the jefferson scholars website. </p>
<p>when i was at last year's NSW, less than 10 of the 96 kids were at large--and at large encompasses the entire world (we had a few kids from china, a few from india, one from africa, one from wyoming, and a few more from random states)</p>
<p>danhernan, I'm so sorry that you didn't advance. Your home site of El Salvador sounds fascinating. My heart goes out to you. I'm sure you have lots of back-up plans, best to you. Keep us updated</p>
<p>Hey guys,
Just got my letter stating im a finalist.
Can anyone confirm the university acceptance? I can't find it stated anywhere in my 10 min search :P.
'Grats to everyone who made it this far.</p>
<p>Maharbal, while I don't thick you are officially accepted; think, you are chosen as one of the top applicants. Unless you fail all of your courses, I would count on receiving admission.</p>
<p>actually, from what I hear, UVA will check to "confirm" your acceptance to the University before you can go to JSW. Once they do that you'll get a letter telling you you're in. Could take a couple of weeks.</p>