I have recently been nominated by my counselor for the Jefferson Scholars Award at the University of Virginia. I need to fill out all of the required information online, specifically, activities, awards, leadership, background information, and the personal essay. Can anyone tell me what the Jefferson Scholars Foundation looks for when deciding who makes it to the first round of interviews? I am trying to boost the odds in my favor. If anyone can please tell me what they wrote in their profile - and if they got in - I would be very grateful.
Following. Would be interested to hear feedback as well.
I have been nominated as well. If anyone has any information, that would be much appreciated.
I do not know for sure, but believe the strongest of recommendations by the person/committee which nominated you, as well as the strength of character presented in the essays and your EC’s, would probably be those which help the interview committee glean whether you are a person of conviction, courage and deep thought (which I believe they respect and look for), and help them to see something quantifiable about your activities and commitments in service to something larger than yourself.
Such are the qualities I believe which helped my daughter merit a first-round interview.
As for the second round, prepare to be able to speak with honesty and show an ability to think quickly on your feet in analysis of current events, historical impact of things which brought the nation to now and how you would like to be a part of whatever glue, mission, force, movement, policy (etc.) that moves your community, and/or the nation and its people forward.
That sounds like I’m saying develop ideas toward government policy, but I do not mean it to be. Be aware, of yourself and what is going on in the world. Get an idea of what you think your moral stance on things is, and prepare with someone (your parents/a teacher/serious friend) to answer questions which help you to speak from that stance, from those principles, as it concerns what you would do in this world to make it strong/better/united and less fractured. DO is probably what you want to think about, and it helps if you have reasons for what your resume can show you have done, as it is probably connected.
I wish every one of you the best of luck.
I wanted to amend a statement above:
“…help them to see something quantifiable about your activities and commitments in service to something larger than yourself.”
The better wording would be "…help them to see something quantifiable about the hours devoted to your activities and commitments in service to something larger than yourself.
Hopefully that change de-emphasizes an element of presenting some ‘amount’ of service activities and engagements, and moves the mind toward presenting meaningful, qualitative activities wherein one has invested real time.
My son was just nominated for the Jefferson Scholarship and the email he received says the nominator has completed their section but he needs to complete his section by 12/3. However, he has not received a login or any information on what is involved with the nominee’s section. Should he contact the Foundation?
He got the email with login information. Please disregard my above post. Good luck, everyone!
Congratulations and best of luck. My S went through that process 2 yrs ago. Ultimately he didn’t get the scholarship and attends a different University but it was a fantastic experience, one he’ll remember for a long time.
Hey, has anyone been contacted for the regional competition yet?
My son got a letter today. Interview in Baltimore in January. Very excited.
Thanks. I just got mine for February.
Would love any input about attire. Is a blazer and tie sufficient or should we get a suit?
My son said most of the guys were in suits but he saw one in blazer and tie with khakis and it seemed fine.
We have a pretty quick turnaround. Interview is on Saturday and we have been out of town until last night. We live in a small town so a suit may be tricky. Thanks for the input.
We are from Westchester County in NY has anyone from this area received any indication for interviews ? Just wondering for my D
I wouldn’t worry about the suit at all. I would assume they are looking for a candidate that put in effort to be appropriately dressed. Shirt and tie, sport coat and khakis vs a suit they may never wear again, is just a difference in level of investment. This is a scholarship after all, I’m sure there are candidates that don’t have access to a suit due to resources or otherwise, so it sure would be disappointing if not having a suit would be considered a negative. In my humble opinion, definitely don’t stress on the suit.
My D completed her first regional interview in MD on Saturday. She received an email today saying that her Jefferson portal had been updated with regional results. However when she logs in to view the results letter it says the letter cannot be generated. Anyone else have this happen?
@mammag My son also interviewed on Saturday. He has not gotten an email. However he knows two other candidates who got a letter in their portal that they are not continuing in the competition. We are anxiously awaiting here!
Maybe try another browser?
@mammag -Maybe email them directly to tell th you can’t view the results . Best of luck to all.