<p>I am a Morehead nominee and while I feel that I can definitely get into UNC, I think that getting the Morehead is far out of reach. I didn't know much about the scholarship until after I had finished applying and I was wondering what all they look for in a scholar besides the typical good grades, test scores and EC's. I heard that you usually have to have some sort of "story." To be honest I don't really know what that means. If anybody can explain it to me, I would appreciate it.</p>
<p>I heard they hold athletic performance in high regard as well.</p>
<p>Do you need to be all state or something or can you just be the MVP of your team and start in another sport?</p>
<p>No, you don’t need to be all state or that level of athlete. I assume you met the minimum qualification or your school would not have nominated you. I don’t think they care beyond the minimum with regard to athletics. At least that’s my impression from the students we know who’ve gotten the scholarship. </p>
<p>The most important criterion in Morehead selection is leadership, so in answer to your question, ECs are probably the most important, because those are where you would most likely have demonstrated leadership.</p>
<p>My S is a senior Morehead. If I were to try to categorize what I have observed of the many Moreheads I have met over the past four years the one thing they all have in common is humility. They are not out there seeking attention for themselves and most of the time their non-Morehead friends aren’t even aware that they are Moreheads for a long time, if ever.</p>
<p>The four criteria that they base the search on are “leadership, scholarship, moral force of character and athletic vigor.” When you stop and think about it what they are really saying is that they are seeking well rounded individuals who lead by example and have been active in a wide array of things…not just staying home and studying or building a resume. More importantly they are looking for passionate people…people who have a passion about something.</p>
<p>All of them are truly remarkable kids who have the ability to laugh a themselves while being deeply passionate about the needs of others and who are willing to do something to make a difference. There is no requisite “story” and whoever told you that is sadly misinformed. </p>
<p>There are several other parents of Moreheads on CC and hopefully they will add their thoughts as it relates to the scholars they have been around as well.</p>
<p>Contrary to what nceph has said, leadership is important (the scholarship was created to bring “leaders” to UNC) but I would be surprised if it is the single most important…I really think after meeting as many of his fellow Moreheads as I have that leadership may be first on the list but that it is viewed not in the traditional way such as how many ECs did you have. I think as I have already said, that it’s about passion, about not doing things to seek attention for oneself, about commitment and about reaching and going beyond your expectations. It really is an opportunity to chart your own course and create your own life which is very Teddy Rooseveltian in a way and they are looking for people who aren’t afraid to step way out of their comfort zone to achieve their dreams. </p>
<p>The athletic component is there to help with finding well rounded kids. You don’t have to be an MVP or All-state. You don’t even have to be on a team. Perhaps you are an avid runner or hiker and camper…they all count. Remember it’s about passion and commitment in everything you do.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I absolutely was not suggesting that leadership was synonymous with collecting leadership positions in as many ECs as possible. That would be the cynical way some high school students approach the concept of leadership. That’s not my definition of leadership. I was only responding to the question about which criterion was more important of the four general ones that the scholarship indicates it considers.</p>