<p>So I was just informed a few days ago that I've been selected as a finalist for the Rodriguez Scholarship and I don't know that much about the finalists' weekend. What exactly happens during Finalist Weekend and what is the interview like? Any help or tips would be appreciated!</p>
<p>Isiah: The whole weekend is a giant interview. Have a nice suit to wear in the evening and nice slacks for day time. Use your best manners during meals. Be pleasant and not overbearing throughout the events. During the formal interview, prepare to dazzle. Be prepared to tell tell them what what you will do at the University and how you will use a degree to benefit the world. Be passionate during the interview, get excited and the interviewer will get excited about you. GL I’m sure more posts will follow.</p>
<p>Thanks Sosomenza! Any other tips would be appreciated</p>
<p>I don’t think it is scary as soso made it seemed. My friends that were Rodriguez finalist all got some scholarship money.</p>
<p>I’ll be attending finalist weekend as well! Super excited! Good luck!</p>
<p>You will basically have several dinners and social events, some with current scholars and some just with other finalists, as well as the chance to visit different classes and events. People will be paying attention to you, but I wouldn’t say that you need to be stressed out about saying the “right” things all the time - people just want to get to know you and see if you’re a good fit for the program. Also, absolutely do not use any sort of drugs or alcohol while you are here, as that will certainly disqualify you if you are caught. Remember that you’ve already gotten this far, so I’m sure you’ll do great! Good luck!</p>
<p>Yes, the weekend is more about you imagining yourself at the school and meeting current scholars/learning about the program than people judging you or discounting you. The dinners require social skills, of course; you’ll be seated with current scholars, Rodriguez alum, etc. Before the interview can be stressful, but I obviously got through it. I would try to treat this as a fun experience, but like dandyofthemoon said, don’t make any references to drugs or alcohol, or ask for or use them during the weekend.</p>