<p>vphilosophile - do you know which parts of the application are weighted most heavily? It seems like the interview makes up a huge part of it. If someone speaks only a couple times and remains relatively silent but has fantastic essays, would s/he still be able to get in? Or vice versa?</p>
<p>I am pretty sure you need to submit PSAT scores. I did when I applied last year. I know my guidance counselor handled that though (the score reporting and such). Good luck to you all! :D</p>
<p>Littlepenguin- Once you get to the interview process that is all that matters (or so they say). So my advice is to speak in the interview but not to control the conversation. Everyone in my interview group got in because we ALL spoke and worked well as a group. No disrespect allowed. As the interview process draws nearer/after semifinalist notifications are mailed out feel free to ask more about the interviews. FOr now, just worry about the essays and the actual application.</p>
<p>Another former NJSPer here.</p>
<p>Totally agree with Butterfly. There were one or two groups from which everyone, or close to, got in. But there were many where only one or two people got in, and a whole bunch where no one did. The fact is, the interview is the only thing that gets you in or doesn’t.
Personally, and a lot of other people that got in said similar things, I think what got me in was that I sort of mediated the discussion. I agreed with points I thought made sense, brought up ways in which other things didn’t make sense, and suggested some way to find a middle ground when the discussion started polarizing. It’s important to remember that it isn’t an argument, but a conversation. If your discussion naturally evolves from the given topic, that’s okay, as long as it stays true to the theme. As far as I know, the topic given for the interview is always something related to the topic of the summer, so human rights for y’all. </p>
<p>You don’t need to read up on things, and you aren’t trying to sell yourself. There was a girl in my group who kept bringing up her volunteer work and trying to fit it into the conversation. It didn’t work and she didn’t get in. If you have some personal experience that relates to the topic (some of us brought up our experiences outside the US and attitudes in other countries) feel free to bring it up. Most importantly, don’t just push your thoughts, actually reflect on what the others are saying. </p>
<p>The real things that gets you in or out is passion for the subject and a desire to hear new ideas. Out of my interview group, about 5 of us continued talking about it after the interview ended and we walked out of the door. I’m fairly certain they heard this, because the three people that got in from my group were there. </p>
<p>Finally, chill out and relax. There’s no checklist for this; the interviewer is either the camp director or a teacher, and if they think you fit the program, you do. If you don’t, it may just be that this isn’t the camp for you. An unbelievably bright friend of mine (early in to Yale) didn’t get in and was really upset at the time, but hearing my stories, she totally agrees that she wouldn’t have gotten that much out of it. A relaxed confident attitude, but not self-centered, and an earnest interest in the topic are what you should bring. Good luck, and I may see some of you for the tours!</p>
<p>Yetttt another scholar from 2010 here.</p>
<p>Clearly, we are obsessed.</p>
<p>Fire away with those questions! We’ll try not to fight each other for who answers (but I’m ready to win…)</p>
<p>What’s the sex life like at NJSP?</p>
<p>Do you guys know how large the interview groups are? And approximately how many applicants are semifinalists? Thanks :)</p>
<p>Gah, I’m so excited to do this program, but at the same time, I’m afraid of being excited because the odds are so tiny! :P</p>
<p>If someone from my school has like 160-170 PSAT, he/she probably won’t make it as a semifinalist right? (not URM)</p>
<p>HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA shawnwhite313, there’s an orgy every friday and monday night in what i have dubbed the “comfy couch room”. other than that it’s all up to you. </p>
<p>you strange, strange boy.</p>
<p>p.s. please tell me you did not steal your name from the snowboarder shaun white… sullying his good name…</p>
<p>littlepenguin: interview groups are usually like maybe 6 or 7 kids? its DISCUSSION-based so what the other two alums said is right. just try and be social + encourage conversation. you sound just like me on the last thread! but i was a nutcase of excitement, a little different.</p>
<p>whiteboy: you cant really judge based off of psat scores, at least for semifinalists. to become one though, they may take it into account but i think it’s more looking at you as a whole - not just statistically.</p>
<p>I like that number! I’d be comfortable with 5 or 6 other people 
When I first heard interviews are discussion based, I imagined a room full of 15ish kids sitting in those desk-chair things in a circle haha</p>
<p>I just hope I actually get to the interview part…</p>
<p>definitely don’t fret about the interview - it’s really just good conversation that you don’t want to leave from! good luck though!</p>
<p>and shawnwhite313, honestly it’s whatever you make of it. it’s an academic program but you’re with 38 other kids for 5 weeks. there are always some relationships each year.</p>
<p>My group was a little larger, I think, but not 15 people big. And it happens in the library on comfy couches and such. Totally relaxed atmosphere. And I think they take a pretty large number to the interview.</p>
<p>So PSAT scores may not rule that person out. Still though, it should comfort you that they really don’t care how many people come from one school. As far as I know, it’s like college stuff; the essays, grades, and recs are more important than scores.</p>
<p>The sex life… it’s there if you want it. The campus is almost entirely open to you, apart from buildings that are in use for other things, and it’s easy to find a place/time for anything. A friend and I managed to get lost in a building and ended up on a roof once, completely by accident. There were definitely couples that definitely spent time alone, but for the most part people just weren’t looking for quick things. There’s a rule about guys not going on the girls’ floor and vice versa and (for the most part) that was followed.</p>
<p>Just in general, I hope that all of you have a terrific time at NJSP if and when you go. As an alumn, wow, I feel special that i can say this, i can say that it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. You make incredible relationships and have some tremendous times. Also, For right now, don’t stress too much about the application process. I know how hard it was when I did it but honestly, just put in your best effort and relax!! You’re almost there!! I can’t wait to see some of you as well as you go through the interview process! Good luck to all of you potential scholars!</p>
<p>is it okay if our essay are a little over 300 words, but still fit on one page? mine are about 320-340 words each</p>
<p>*essays</p>
<p>10char</p>
<p>I wouldn’t really worry about it boomroasted, but if you can, try to edit a little bit. If there’s an unnecessary sentence, delete it. Otherwise I wouldn’t worry, I don’t think they’re that picky and I’m almost 100% certain they don’t run a word count on it.</p>
<p>I just spent over three hours revising my essays, since they’re due tomorrow.
All of mine are 2-5 words under the word limit. I still feel I could have explained things more, but I want to go to bed now.</p>
<p>HERE WE GO.</p>
<p>i’m applying too!</p>
<p>hmm, my guidance counselor gave me an extra day to work on essays…do any former scholars have any advice, or any insight on how they choose interviewees?</p>
<p>thanks for the advice!
and i just realized that it says “… approximately 300 words (or one page)” so i’m hoping that means if it fits on one page it’s still alright lol</p>