Apparently my counselor already nominated two students who asked her about the Jefferson Scholarship. I know each school is supposed to nominate the most qualified candidate, and my test scores and GPA are higher than the other two. I was just wondering if this is how it works in most other high schools. Is it often first come first serve or do counselors look to see who is most qualified.
Also, one of the people my counselor nominated seems to be applying early decision to another school which means the Jefferson scholarship would go to waste if she got into to her ED school. I’m kind of confused how exactly this works and if I could possibly be named an alternate or something in case the other nominee does get into her ED school. I’m really disappointed about missing out on this scholarship opportunity, so I’m just trying to see if there are any options left for me.
At my daughter’s school, they made a general announcement for all who were interested in applying so that no person gets left out. Should never have been first come, first served, especially if you live in Virginia. Totally irresponsible and possibly worth elevating the concern within the school.
Thanks @bucketDad I thought it would be more like you said above. I guess my only hope at this point is if I could be named an alternate or something in case one of the nominees do get into their ED school. My counselor said she already nominated them, so I guess there is no hope of arguing that I’m more qualified, but I might bring this up for future students.
I was under the impression it was 1 nominee. Our school has a scholarship committee that selects for anything like this. For something like Jefferson where there is lots of interest they ask for an essay and interview plus obviously can’t be applying ED elsewhere. I think by the time the person hears about their ED school it would be too late for you to step in.
@acdchai It is one but UVA allows up to two if they are both equally qualified. I might call the Jefferson Scholarship Office about their policy because one of the nominees told me they are applying ED to somewhere else.
I am so sorry you were not nominated @biologylover. You should definetly elevate so it doesn’t happen to students next year and to see if there is any chance of changing it for this year. Counselors and nominees have until 12/1 to complete the nomination form so I think it is worth pursuing. I am not sure how first come first served can result with to equally qualified candidates. Good luck!!!
Thanks @Testingearly I called the Jefferson scholarship office today, and they said I should take it up with the counselor. The people at the office didn’t know if invitations were final or not, so maybe there is still some hope to at least present my case for a nomination. I think I will talk with the principal and see where it gets me. I at least want to help those that are applying next year. She really shouldn’t have submitted the first two people who asked her because they weren’t equally qualified. Since the deadline is December 1st, I hope there is still a chance.
Well. I just wanted to update how this went for me in case anyone else ever encounters this same problem. What I’ve found is that there isn’t probably anything you can do. Talking to my principal led to my counselor getting upset, so I decided not to push farther. I wish the best of luck for all the other nominees. I disagree with how this decision was made, but I’ve decided not to argue it because I don’t want to ruin my relationship with my counselor.
Sorry to hear that. Scholarship nominations are handled on a first come first served basis D’s school provided the student asking is near the top of the class.
@bucketDad No. It was actually the other way around. My principal and counselor talked, and they decided that my counselor’s nominations would stand. I ended up apologizing because I didn’t tell her early enough about my interest in UVA. I didn’t want to make a huge deal out of it, so I just apologized and let it slide. It seems the counselor’s decision was based on who had the most interest in UVA, and I guess she still stands by that even though I disagree.
Hard to say the other candidate that was applying ED to another school had a lot of interest in UVA but it was going to be tough switching and you were smart to realize that maintaining a good relationship with your counselor is important. Very mature of you!
Our school nominates the “top” student out of all who are interested in UVA. Turns out that student did not realize that there were several essays involved, so decided not to complete application. DS was very interested and went to counselor to see if alternate nominee could be picked, but counselor said who they pick is who they pick and that is the end of it.