Hey everyone, the Nordstrom Scholarship recently opened up almost two weeks ago and I thought this thread would be good for any questions or support we may have leading up to and after May 1st! Enjoy!
What exactly are they looking for in an applicant?
For GPA, do you put weighted or un-weighted GPA?
Wait this is for current juniors? I.e. not graduating this May but the next May (2016)?
Right, current juniors (class of 2016).
@anitomy Hey. I’m also applying to this scholarship. Do you know if there is an opportunity on the application to describe what we did when we volunteered for an organization. I see a List honors/ awards box, but I don’t see any opportunity to describe in detail what I did. Thanks for your help and best of luck to you!
@seal16 @courtneythurston if you guys know please answer too!
I have the same question as @Wannabenerd1 . Also, who did you list for school contact person? Does it matter if it’s a guidance counselor or principal?
@gigglebot3 I listed my counselor because I don’t even think my principal knows me.
@gigglebot3 I don’t think it matters though because you get to chose who writes your recommendation.
How long were your personal statements? Mine is like 4200 characters but the maximum is 6000 characters. Do you think think that the selection committee will look at me unfavorably, since I only used 4200 characters on my personal statement?
6000 seems like a lot, and I wrote about one particular experience in my life. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to expand that to 6000 characters.
I did that in the Organization/type of work, because its technically explaining the type of work.
Can any previous semifinalists/finalists elaborate on what specifically they are looking for in their applicants?
@auggie104 I am a finalist from last year. I don’t think they are looking for one particular, specific thing in their applicants. All of the 2014 finalists were very diverse and had different interests. I personally believe that the essays are the biggest factor in becoming a semi-finalist, so make sure your personal statement and short essay are very well-written (but not contrived).
Also, I looked up this thread because I am willing to answer any questions! Feel free to private message me. If you do ask me a question on this thread, please tag me or I probably won’t see it.
@Wannabenerd1 Don’t worry about your essay length. I highly doubt the committee will judge you based on how many characters you have… Trust me, I would put more effort into worrying about the content. Quality over quantity applies in this situation! 
@gigglebot3 When choosing a contact person, pick whoever knows you best. I personally chose a counselor, but many people chose teachers that they were very close with.
I was wondering, what did you write your essays on? @alleycat2
@alleycat2 Both of my essays fall a little short of the limit and are rather, well, poetic. Can you clarify if they’re looking for a creative response or strict essay for the personal statement? Can you give any examples of your personal statement/tips? I’m kind of stuck between the whole “I don’t wanna sound like I’m overrating myself or bragging” and the “omg this isn’t good enough” state right now. >.<
@EmpyreanDreamer Personal statements are supposed to be more straightforward, usually. While it’s good to have creative elements, they don’t want to have to guess at what you’re saying. They want to know exactly what have to say. And, don’t be afraid of bragging! Just as long as it doesn’t sound like outright bragging. This is the time to make yourself shine.