<p>@frustrateddad. I see your point as being valid, but don’t share your strong frustration toward Nordstroms. Have you considered e-mailing the folks to let them know your opinion? I think it might help.</p>
<p>@frustrateddad…I actually won the Nordstrom Scholarship, and even though I am a minority, they do base the decisions it on leadership qualities, community service, character, etc. They award the scholarship mainly based on those credentials and not race/financial need. This year, lots of Caucasians won the scholarship as well. It’s a great program in my eyes.</p>
<p>sounds like a great scholarship… too bad it’s only for HS juniors.</p>
<p>Can anyone tell me what the interview was like? </p>
<p>Is the scholarship really based on credentials (grades, leadership, etc.) and not race/financial need like eocto3? I can’t find much information about it. But I think it’s a great opportunity and I think I’m well qualified.</p>
<p>The following information is just here to relate my experience with the Nordstrom scholarship.</p>
<p>I must agree with frustratedad on this one. I have no problem with the company giving money to minorities. It’s their money and they can use it how they wish. HOWEVER, I found that the application process was very deceiving. They make it appear that leadership roles, community service, and other traits are valued if financial need exists. I was chosen as a finalist and was interviewed (which is an indication that they felt I was in need of financial assistance based upon the information I provided them about my families income situation). I felt that I presented myself well at the interview and the individuals giving the interview seemed quite pleased with what I had to offer. My credentials included the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>3.95/4.0 unweighted GPA (3rd in my class with mostly AP/honors classes)</li>
<li>President of Student Council and Environmental Club (led the effort to establish recycling program and organized various charity events)</li>
<li>Vice President of National Honor Society and Drama Club</li>
<li>Lead AVA Tech (wrote the proposal and supervised the installation of a new school sound system in 2008, my sophomore year)</li>
<li>1000+ hours of community service with leadership roles in various local non-profit charities</li>
<li>Eagle Scout with leadership roles in scouting</li>
<li>Summer internship with my school district’s technology department</li>
<li>Have owned and operated a successful mobile DJ business for 7 years</li>
<li>Opened a web site development company in 2005 and continue to operate it</li>
<li>Governor’s School, Boys State, HOBY, and other programs that select students based on merit, service, and activities.</li>
</ul>
<p>Do I think that the other students who were present didn’t deserve the award? Absolutely not. Though I didn’t get to see any of their credentials, I assume that every person there was a qualified candidate; however, I find it a bit suspicious that 4/5 winners were all from the same district, which just so happened to be an abbott district. It was also odd that this same city received a very large donation for their school system from the founder of Facebook just a month prior to the decision date.</p>
<p>When I attempted to send an e-mail to the “Diversity Affairs Director” who coordinated the interviews simply asking what led to the decision and how I could improve in the future (since Nordstrom prides itself on providing an “outstanding” opportunity to get a taste of the interview process), I was never given a reply. The rejection letter I received, which was sent to only 7 individuals, was extremely generic and listed the wrong interview location, one that was in a completely different state.</p>
<p>So how did I feel about the interview? I feel that my time was wasted by a company that had other motives in mind. If Nordstrom doesn’t want applications from middle-class white males from “well off” districts, they should just say so like Dell, Buick, and HP do.</p>
<p>I don’t want to discourage anyone from applying, but please don’t expect to be judged solely on merit and credentials. If you’re looking for less biased scholarships that truly value merit and financial need without branding anyone, take a look into the Elks scholarship for seniors. Check with your local lodge for more information. In addition, AXA has some great scholarships available for seniors.</p>
<p>Contragulations! Thats an amazing accomplishment. What was the interview like? What questions did they ask and who asked the questions? Do you have any tips to prepare?</p>
<p>My student applied for this scholarship. I heard the rumors on here that it might be based on financial need or that minorities have preference. My student is neither financially destitute nor a minority. S got the scholarship. Out of the finalists there was a proportional number of minorities. All of the students had outstanding credentials and would have been qualified, I think. (At least as my student described them) So, my advice is to ignore the rumors on here and apply for it. It can’t hurt. Just because the diversity affairs office is in charge of it doesn’t make it a scholarship for minorities. It is not like the corporation has a scholarship office.</p>
<p>I’m a high school principal and we had a winner this year. He is as ‘lily white’ as they get. His packet was simply outstanding – excellent GPA, tons of community service, outstanding citizen and role model, etc.</p>
<p>I believe what set him apart, probably along with many others who were selected, was his essay which made him stand out. When someone comes across as unique among many other qualified individuals that person has a ‘leg up’ on the others.</p>
<p>So, don’t fall prey to the rumorville of “diversity only,” or “minority only.” If you do apply you may not get the scholarship; if you don’t apply you will certainly not get it!</p>
<p>I got it too this year, found out today
:)</p>
<p>My son just won a scholarship this fall from Nordstroms and I feel they were a class act all the way. He is not a minority, not destitute and does not have a 3.9 gpa. He wrote a compelling essay on growth he has experienced and things he has learned over his high school years. He also contributes to charity work alot and since Nordstroms does too I believe they are looking for the mature responsible and yet compassionate individual to reward. I highly recommend applying and thinking about those guidelines to any student. Their surprise presentation at the student’s school is really exciting for the student and their classmates and something my son will always remember.</p>
<p>Just a heads up, semi-finalists from this year have been emailed! Fortunate to be one of them… from Los Angeles, California!</p>
<p>I just found out I was selected as a finalist. I was wondering if you remembered anything from the interview process, such as what questions were asked, how I can prepare, etc. Thank you so much!</p>
<p>What was the interview like? It would really help, thanks!</p>
<p>When i was getting ready for the skype interview for the GE Reagan Scholarship, I did a search for college and college scholarship interview questions. I found a ton of them. Then before the actual interview, three of my teachers did a mock interview with me and gave me some pointers and asked me some tough questions. That practice interview helped me a lot more than I expected. Good Luck to all of you that are finalists!</p>