<p>Wow, it looks like my interview is first... Thursday!!! I'm terrified because I was so nervous earlier in my interview I did today...</p>
<p>Well, at least I can keep you posted on the first round of questions, since I go before everyone else... and I'll fail miserably, I just know it.</p>
<p>I need some luck and some confidence!</p>
<p>any updates from those of you who have already had interviews???</p>
<p>Does everybody get informed if they get an interview or not? I'm still waiting to find out.</p>
<p>where do you live??</p>
<p>Ok, I first met and talked with 3 scholar winners from previous years that live in my area and that was awesome. I had such a great conversation and I was so relaxed... then came the real thing, and it was scary.</p>
<p>Eight+ lawyer-type people sitting around the table with my profile. Only a couple were the least bit friendly (but one of the nice lawyer guys was hot!) and the chairman was really snobbish and... ick. Basically they asked about each section of my profile and all of the activities and essays I filled out. Be prepared to elaborate on anything you have written. One person asked a question, and I totally had no clue what he meant. I improvised and rambled, and I did terrible--when I walked out of the room I had really bad hives. After I finished each question they asked me, there would be a long pause while they wrote stuff down, and it was extremely awkward. So, I hope everyone else does better than me, and keep posted on how your interviews go.</p>
<p>Some questions were about:
-what do I represent the most -scholarship, citizenship, leadership
-someone I admire
-things I've read
-the way I grew up
-about something with citizenship and differing from the norm? confusing.</p>
<p>However, I was not asked "Why do you deserve this?" Which was good because I haven't thought of how I am different from every other qualified person except that I live in a poor school district, so PHEW.</p>
<p>Good Luck to you all!</p>
<p>wow, sounds scary! im sure you did better than you think!</p>
<p>Did it today. Some questions were:
15 mins with Pres Bush, what would you tell him?
3 people to a dinner party, living or dead, who woudl it be?
Recent books I've read.
Asked a few questions about my personal essay right away...
Asked about some of my ECs and details on some of the research I've done.
Ummm... If they went to my school right now what would people say about me?</p>
<p>Just random stuff. Seriously don't use canned answers.</p>
<p>Oh btw.</p>
<p>I MADE THE SECOND ROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I already got an email back!</p>
<p>wow, quick turn around! when did you find out??</p>
<p>Congrats Fenshuibundi, and good luck!</p>
<p>I found out at 5:30 by email today. I finished my interview at 3:00pm and there was another guy waiting to go after me.</p>
<p>The person said he would take up to 5 days to let me know but... I guess 2 hours?</p>
<p>Oh man, sweet stuff.</p>
<p>I'm jealous because my questions sucked and were not as cool as yours!</p>
<p>I hope you get it!</p>
<p>Haha, thanks. I didn't realize it was such a big deal until I asked the recent UVA graduate in my lab today about it... Guess it means something when you're going for grad/med/law schools!</p>
<p>I dunno... those questions were really difficult. I just sorta managed to give quick answers and stay calm. To anybody who hasn't gone yet, my best advice would be not to take yourself very seriously, be frank and honest about who you are, and stay calm.</p>
<p>If you have time, browse the newspaper everyday until your interview if you don't already read it. You'd be surprised the randomness you'll remember that's actually relevent to the questions they ask.</p>
<p>I just got a call (no letter?) thirty minutes ago telling me I have an interview on Monday. </p>
<p>Really weird thing: the alumnus calling me was trying to schedule a time between 5:00 and 7:30. He mentioned there were thirty minute increments set aside. So I was trying to decide what time for a few seconds (I have a service project and two college classes that day), and he said, "Well, you're the second or third highest, so you have preference for whatever time". I said, "Oh, okay" and chose 7:00. </p>
<p>But, um, I'm 2nd or 3rd? Of what, the 5 or 6 kids they're doing that day? I'm pretty confused as to what he meant by that, but I was somewhat flustered at the moment and didn't ask. Hmmmmm.</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks for telling us about your interviews, guys. Now I'm nervous. . .</p>
<p>Hey alabee, is that for the first or second round? My region has like 36 people, but that's only for the first round of interviews.</p>
<p>Does UVA pick people out of the RD pool who were from schools not eligible to nominate for Jefferson's?</p>
<p>"Each year the Foundation identifies finalists via two avenues. The first is a system of 47 regional competitions around the country. The second is a separate competition for all students attending schools not eligible to compete in the regional competitions. This competition includes domestic applicants to U.Va. not residing in one of the 47 regions, all international applicants to U.Va., applicants to the Schools of Architecture and Nursing, and nominees submitted by 27 domestic and international secondary schools (known as "designated schools") with funds endowed to support Jefferson Scholars from those schools. Nominees from schools in this latter group must meet the same selection standards as other nominees."</p>
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<p>so, yes</p>
<p>How should I dress up for my interview? a full suit? semi-formal? or just everyday clothes? Also, does anyone know how many rounds of interview there are?</p>
<p>After the first interview, there is a second round...only about 100 people make it past that and go to Charlottesville for the Scholars Weekend in March to compete for the 30 or so scholarships.</p>
<p>Euro- i wouldnt wear a full suit, but definently nice slacks/shirt (send both to the dry cleaners before hand, they'll press them for you nicely and they'll both look crisper), nice shoes, and a tie...also, shaving is necessary and maybe a haircut (just look well groomed)</p>
<p>I just came back from my interview. Three people interviewed me, and it was a fairly casual vibe -- we were all dressed nicely, but sitting on couches and chairs facing one another. They were all pretty nice. </p>
<p>Questions I remember:
- What is your favorite subject and why?
- Favorite character in a book?
- If you were elected into office, what would you make your focus?
- What would you say is your best trait? What would your friends say is your best trait?
- Who would you invite to dinner to talk to? (Note: just one person. Sweet relief).
- What do you like about your job? (I mentioned it in an essay).</p>
<p>A must: Read over your application before going. I did, and it helped me out when they made very specific references to different ECs and to my essays.</p>
<p>I made them laugh a few times, which relaxed me a lot. Also, they said they loved my personal essay. Other than that, I have no idea where I stand. (To be honest: I really don't think I'll win the scholarship. I'm just curious to see what they think of me).</p>
<p>A tip I have is to be conversational and open. Elaborate upon your answers and make eye contact. Really show off your personality -- I do believe it's a significant factor.</p>