Hi, just wanted to know what sort of interview questions finalists should expect in the Richmond Scholars Program. I am a Science and Oldham finalist
bump I am a Oldham and Boatwright Finalist and would like to know too. Also, how many finalist become actual winners? Do non winners get more than the 1/3 presidential scholarship?
From my son’s interview, they want to get to know you. Try to smile, laugh. He did his via Skype, and Googled suggestions for how to do a good skype interview (for example, have a plain backdrop behind you, or at least something not embarrassing; try different lighting and seat/computer positions to see that you look human and visible before it starts, wear something that shows the interviewers that you appreciate this opportunity and respect the time they are giving up to do). Review the Richmond website to see what they are looking for in the category you are interviewing for. If it’s science, for example, ahead of time think about why you like science, what you would like to study at Richmond, what you’ve liked about science to date, what you want to do after Richmond. Remember that schools love to reap glory from their alumni - they would love to accept a student who later gets a Fulbright. So, think about areas you would like to explore someday that might make a change in the world so that Richmond would be proud of you.
Did you guys get the email about the time of the interview? @sallywoot @ninadasiy
@eloise6 No not yet. But I got an email yesterday confirming my skype name, so I thought I would hear today.
@eloise6 Yup got an email a couple hours ago confirming everything. Good luck to all of us 
Anybody have info on the mid April scholars trip?
Yes…my D got a mail for the program starting 11th April.
Since I found this thread while I was researching interview tips, I figured I would come back and add to it for future scholar applicants. I received the scholarship with the Boatwright designation and could not be more thrilled!
As for the interview, I initially expected to be interviewing with 2-3 people. Instead, it was more like a committee of 8 or 9 sitting in a conference room, which threw me off at first. There was one person who led the interview (i.e. briefing me on the process, beginning and concluding the interview) and each subsequent person took their turn to ask a few questions.
Many were to be expected “why should you get this scholarship”, “what was your favorite academic experience”, etc. But some were specific to your individual application, they asked questions on my activities and essays mainly. Also, be sure to have several questions prepared to ask the interviewers, there was an entire portion of the interview devoted to them wanting the interviewee to ask THEM the questions, another thing that caught me a little off guard.
My three best pieces of advice are as follows:
- Don’t let this be your first interview. No matter how quick on your feet or social you are, these kinds of interviews are intense and intimidating and must be prepared for. Schedule practice interviews with guidance counselors, reflect on other scholarship and admissions interviews, even pull from possible job interviews that you’ve had. Take note of their reactions to your answers, if you get a good reaction, remember to use it again.Take the best parts of your other interviews and piece them together to create the best profile of yourself possible.
- Be interesting! If you've made it this far in the process, there has got to be something about you that makes you different. Find it. And then find more. There are plenty of varsity sport captains and straight A students. Think of something that no one else in your school has, that's what they're looking for. With that in mind, remember to look beyond your school. I'm sure that you are very involved and very well regarded within your school. But try to touch on what makes you excellent outside of high school. It can be difficult to find something truly unique, but once you do, you have a much better chance of being remembered by the interviewers.
3.) Be genuine! Although Skype is a great tool, it is not ideal for an interview situation. It’s more difficult for the interviewers to discern your personality without being able to see and hear the little things that may be visible in an in-person interview. So smile, laugh when appropriate, and make them smile. If they are having a good time talking to you, their impression of you will be much better. Also, let some of your excitement come through, this is a huge opportunity! And they want you to be excited about it. Also come prepared with knowledge about the school and be able to show them that you have done your research. They won’t want to give you the scholarship if they don’t think you really care about the school!
I wish all finalists the best of luck. I didn’t think I had a chance at even being picked as a finalist, let alone winning one. By no means was my interview perfect, but I really think that preparation was key. As corny as it sounds, take a breath and put your best foot forward. You got this!!