<p>no I know some people who did not make it semifinalist.</p>
<p>I’m actually extremely disappointed…I was rejected to the summer program. 
I don’t really know why, because I have a stellar academic record, perfect GPA, and had a really good teacher recommendation. Any thoughts? There were a lot of kids from my school who got in with pretty mediocre statistics, which really confuses me (so is it really a meritocracy?). I was just praying that it was a mistake…</p>
<p>Rejected as well with very good stats and an absolutely stellar teacher rec. Oh well.</p>
<p>I would definitely not worry about it guys. It is honestly nothing against you and the program has so many students that obviously many will not be selected just because there isnt room. I have stellar scores as well, but I think what distinguished me was my reasons for wanting to be enrolled. I am a second generation from Iran and have never been to the Middle East. So definitely don’t worry about it 
For those who have had the interview, any suggestions as to how to mentally prepare myself
Much love</p>
<p>I just had my interview today, and I think it went pretty well. At the end, my interviewer told me that she thought I was perfect for the program, but she said that I should not be worried if I didn’t get in; it wasn’t anything about me, just that there were too many applicants. Good or bad? I’m so nervous…</p>
<p>I noticed that some of you are wondering about why you were rejected. This is something that you should learn now in your academic careers. The reasons for rejection from any program,college,stipend,grant, etc are often difficult to understand. (Trust me, if you are venturing into higher education sometimes you will be rejected. It goes with the territory.) It may be there is certain type of person they are seeking. Having high grades and scores may just be one part of the formula. (Also, as a university academic,I can tell you many of us have become cynical about the value of high school grades. Some schools are very liberal with "A"s and others not so generous. I have seen “A” students who were weaker than some ‘C’ students.) While I cannot speak for the decision-makers in this situation,I can make suggestions that may help you in the future. There may have been a myriad of issues considered. For example,it may have been the way you expressed yourself in the essay section. It may have been if you were in simpatico with the reader. It may have been how well you have prepared to go to your selected country. For example, previously studying Russian or Chinese, would show a long-term interest and commitment. An interest in a college major that is somehow connected with the summer experience might have influenced the decision.</p>
<p>Most importantly,take this as a learning experience. If you are truly interested in studying your language abroad,then you should start preparing for next year’s application. Stop. Review your application. Focus on what you can do to be better next year and try again. Remember the old adage…"If first you don’t succeed,try,try again.</p>
<p>@2Pathsmom, thank you very much, that’s great advice. Unfortunately, I’m a senior so it was my only shot at the program. I only regret that I did not find out about it before the beginning of this year. If anyone knows of similar programs that they are applying to, please let me know!</p>
<p>There are gap year programs and college programs offered by the nsli. Actually, there are more options to study abroad for college students. Also if you want to focus on an under-served language ,you should apply for a STARTALK program this summer.</p>
<p>I just got notified from TASP that I did not make it into the semifinalist round; I actually was not too disappointed that I did not get in (no offense to other TASP applicants), only because I want to get into NSLI-Y so badly, and I heard the acceptance rate is only about four percent this year for TASP. But that just made me really really scared for NSLI-Y. What if I don’t get in? I’m pretty sure I would be DEVASTATED and I wouldn’t be able to function normally for a really long time. Ugh… I’m so impatient… and anxious… :/</p>
<p>Please don’t be devastated if you are not selected. There is always next year. Ok. Mope for one afternoon,have a great pity party and move on. </p>
<p>Believe me it is not the end of the world and in the long run if you are rejected it will mean very little to you. If rejected and you are sincerely interested in learning your selected language,find another way to learn the language. Look at a StarTalk program for language study. Take a college level language class. </p>
<p>If you were applying in order to make your resume competitive( not judging) just find another activity that you think will appear impressive.</p>
<p>In academics you win some and you lose some. Remember,it is not how many times you are knocked down,it is how many times you get up.
.</p>
<p>There’s nothing you can do now about your application! You turned it in; you interviewed. All you can do now is sit back and relax. So, RELAX! Enjoy your year! :)</p>
<p>I know that the NSLI-Y application process is extremely frustrating (this is my third time) but know that the payout is so great, well worth the wait.</p>
<p>When I found out(via Facebook) that they are starting to send out notifications on if you have made it or not an hour ago I have been freaking out. Literally, my heart feels like it is about to burst into tears. I know that doesn’t make any sense but that is how it felt.</p>
<p>Making it into this program means a lot to me because I can’t apply next year(I have something college-related next summer) and I am IN LOVE with languages and different cultures. I’m just hoping that I expressed my undying passion for International Relations through my essays and during the interview for them to choose me.</p>
<p>Until I get an answer, I will be praying like a mad man! I wish the best of luck to all off you!</p>
<p>Try not to stress… If it doesn’t work out for this summer or year, look for the StarTalk language summer programs for this summer and make plans to reapply for next year’s summer program or better yet, make plans to apply for year program scholarships next year. With three different state department programs (NSLI-Y, Yes Abroad and CBYX) as well as AFS and YFU scholarships and terrific Rotary programs for low fees, there should be plenty of good alternatives for you next year. If you are a high school senior, start looking into college study abroad. There are state department scholarships for those, too. Good luck!</p>
<p>I got my notification about ten hours ago, and I’m extremely excited. Good luck to everyone else!! I got my first choice of Hindi :D</p>
<p>Congratulations!! You’re very fortunate to hear the news so early! :)</p>
<p>Did anyone else get selected as an alternate? I know its not a rejection, but I feel horrible…I feel like the chances of any finalist giving up their scholarship is next to none. Basically a rejection in my eyes ;(</p>
<p>Mehhh this is killing me!!! Did anyone else not receive anything yet? Hoping for the best but anticipating the worst</p>
<p>If it cheers anyone up, I will point out that having declined the scholarship before for the Korea Semester program (yes, they used to offer this), it is entirely possible to move from “alternate” to “finalist” as people will give up their position in the scholarship for various reasons. I had to decline for reasons including: My school would have forced me to ‘drop out’ and re-enroll had I left the school for a semester, I wouldn’t have been able to catch up in the numerous advanced classes such as AP Chemistry which I had signed up for, I wouldn’t have been able to practice my sport, I would have had to suspend violin lessons for several months (which for me is bad because I am serious about my playing), and etc.</p>
<p>Moral of the Story: Life happens but never give up hope because you never know when your luck will suddenly (re)appear.</p>
<p>One of my best friends on the Russia Summer 2010 group was an alternate and was selected to attend. I do not think a lot of applicants are offered an alternate status, so don’t lose hope</p>