<p>hey guys. just wanted to set up a thread for nj scholars. i just got my semifinalist letter today. does anyone know how many of the semifinalists are chosen to be finalists?</p>
<p>Same 
According to the wikipedia page, there are around 200 applicants, with 50% making it to next round. Congrats everyone!</p>
<p>I got my rejection letter today. =[ I think it was my essays…they were horrible.</p>
<p>What a roller coaster ride of emotions it’s been. First rejected by TASP and now an interview for NJSP. I’m excited for the interview!</p>
<p>Its just a debate type format apparently. i’m anticipating lots of overachievers who will interrupt like everyone just to voice their opinions lol.</p>
<p>I have my interview too! I’m kind of nervous - the program seems SO perfect but also so hard to get in to! </p>
<p>Anyone have any ideas what they mean by “topical issues” in the letter? I’m anxious to find out what the interview will be like! Anyone know?</p>
<p>sunshine: I decided to reply to your pm here so everyone could see. i don’t really know what its about but i’m assuming that its like a roundtable debate format. we’re only interviewing with 8 other applicants from other counties. I read a 2009 or 2008 njsp thread here on cc and they said the moderators just threw a topic in there and everyone started debating and voicing their opinion. and i guess the spots just go to whoever talks the most and has the best arguments?</p>
<p>Cool that sounds really fun! I hope they don’t pick something too random though haha</p>
<p>Maybe I’ll see some of you there! Thanks for the response!</p>
<p>my interview is next friday at 330</p>
<p>Oh I don’t think I’m in your group 
Good luck anyway!!!</p>
<p>So I stumbled upon this bc I was guessing some of the 2010 semifinalists would make a post like there was last year. I attended the program last year and I wanted to clear up any confusion about the interviews-</p>
<p>First, the interviews are NOT a debate and if you debate others you will probably not get in. The best are those who take unique stances on topics and listen to others to build upon their arguments (or disagree without an attitude).</p>
<p>Second, there were NO overachievers who interrupted in my group - maybe in others but not mine. Being one of those people will definitely give you the boot, but everyone in my group was respectful - some just had more to say and in a more unique manner.</p>
<p>If you are passionate about this, you will try to see a distinct point of view on the topics presented and make yourself stand out. I had a sense of humor when presenting my stance whereas no one else really did, and I think that really helped my acceptance. </p>
<p>If you have any questions please ask!</p>
<p>commentandsuch: thanks for posting on the thread. i really appreciate it. having an alum would really help us. do you have any tips for the interview? i guess just state your view and be relaxed? and do lots of alums go to high caliber schools?</p>
<p>I was chosen as a semi-finalist for this year as well. What should we wear to the interview? Casual, business casual, or business professional?</p>
<p>The best advice for the interview is definitely speak your mind and try to think (to be ridiculously cliche) outside the box - but it’s true. Do not talk too much but don’t talk little - find a happy medium - basically add your opinion when you feel the time is right.</p>
<p>And most importantly: Be relaxed - Several people in my interview group were really tense and spoke little since they seemed to be so nervous. Just have fun with it really - if you get in, great - if not, don’t sweat it. Come with that attitude and I’ll think you’ll be fine. It’ll ease the tension.</p>
<p>Dress business professional - impressions matter. I dressed in a suit and tie and so did almost everyone else. If you don’t have one - find something very nice to wear (Girls obviously can be the judge of what they need to wear 
).</p>
<p>And yes - a lot of my friends from NJSP have gotten into high caliber schools. To name a few: UPenn, Yale, Dartmouth, Georgetown, MIT, Washington University in St. Louis, Rice and Cambridge (to name a few off the top of my head - and most decisions come out April 1 so that’s just the beginning). However, it is NOT this program that got my friends into these schools - they are high caliber students who are highly motived and deserved their acceptances regardless. It is definitely one of the better things on a college app, but do not go for that reason. If you love learning, meeting new people, and sharing ideas, the high caliber schools and other success will follow.</p>
<p>That’s great advice - thanks so much for your help!!! I was really worried about “debating” because I thought I’d have to study up and know a lot about random current events / issues!!! It seems a lot less stressful now - again, thank you so much!</p>
<p>How did you like your experience there?</p>
<p>No problem! Just offer your ideas, back them up and be creative - no debating, just idea sharing 
It’s your thought process, not the facts, that counts.</p>
<p>As for me - NJSP was an absolutely awesome experience. I originally had no intentions of going - I didn’t want to spend a month of my summer away from my friends. I had fun with the open discussion, and when I got my acceptance letter I was happy but conflicted at the same time. A couple of people convinced me to go and I can’t thank them enough! I still meet up with my friends from the program, and the open academic atmosphere was astounding and a complete change from high school.</p>
<p>There are MANY opportunities at LVille too - people went golfing a lot, used the (amazing) music facilities, took bus rides to Princeton for the day, went to the movies, used the massive athletic complex - it has everything. There’s a lot of free time and a lot of freedom in what you do academically - the classes are mostly open discussions on what is being taught.</p>
<p>So, in a nutshell I loved it haha.</p>
<p>NJSP sounds amazing. I’m still nervous for the interview (eep next week!) What kind of topics are usually discussed?</p>
<p>Well I don’t want to give anything away to give any unfair advantages (I hope you understand), but they are basically thought-provoking questions on issues. I don’t want to say too much about that sorry - but believe me you don’t need to study anything just make valid points.</p>
<p>So without giving to much away, general knowledge issues then?</p>
<p>My heart just swelled immensely when you discussed your experience, no big deal. ;)</p>
<p>Yeahp general knowledge - good luck to all of you getting interviewed this weekend! Just relax and you guys will do fine ;)</p>
<p>I’m glad you liked what I had to say haha - they tell us to sell the program but honestly I don’t need to be pushed into doing so.</p>