<p>I got the phone call today: I am a Ron Brown finalist! $40,000!</p>
<p>Robbysmi........I <3 you</p>
<p>CONGRATS</p>
<p>Me too!! Congrats! I'll see you in DC!!!</p>
<p>rjsmith and dredhead, </p>
<p>so, both of you got the money. congrats. </p>
<p>Does anyone of you know what colleges that you are going to?</p>
<p>University of Pennsylvania. Huntsman Program. Double major in Wharton and College.</p>
<p>oh hey, rjsmith.. do you have AIM? IM me. my s/n is dredhead5000 (surprising, I know).</p>
<p>so finalist definitely got the money?</p>
<p>I don't know where I'm going to college yet. I've been accepted to Michigan and Brandeis so far. I'll hear from Harvard, Yale, Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, Amherst, Williams, Vassar, and Wesleyan in April.</p>
<p>Very nice guys, congrats. I'm wondering, have they made all the decisions yet? I haven't heard, so I'm wondering if that means I didn't get it, or if they just haven't decided yet. Also, as Nana said, do finalists definitely get the money? Once again, congratulations to you guys; hopefully I'll be hearing soon.</p>
<p>I believe all finalists will win the scholarship, barring some major misstep at the "selection" weekend. I e-mailed them to confirm. I'll post their response later today.</p>
<p>This is what the director of the program e-mailed me today: "Yes, it is possible for a Finalist to attend the Weekend and not become a RB Scholar. It has not happened before but we have the option... Our final decision is based upon availability of funds and student performance during the weekend. MM"</p>
<p>rjsmith1031, congrats. </p>
<p>I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but can you tell me your stats? Or at least what you thought was a major factor(ec's, community involvement, hardships) in getting the scholarship?
I'm only a freshmen and I would like to have someone to aspire to.</p>
<p>Here they are:</p>
<p>SAT: 1410--720v/690m
SAT II: 750/690/620
GPA: 3.6uw/4.8w
ECs: President, Young Democrats; Vice President, Key Club; Secretary, Debate Team; Treasurer, NHS; President, Church Usher Board</p>
<p>I'm also a Florida forensics state champion (in original oratory). I have significant financial need, and I also spent a VERY long time on my essays. In my opinion, my essays put me over the top.</p>
<p>Do you need to have significant financial need to be considered?</p>
<p>This is what their FAQs say: "Financial need is a factor that we consider in awarding scholarships. If you think that you will be eligible for financial aid at the colleges to which you are applying, you should apply for a Ron Brown Scholarship." No matter what your parents make, I'd suggest that you apply anyway.</p>
<p>o wow u guys! congrats- its such a great honor!</p>
<p>Congrats to the finalists! Best of luck!</p>
<p>that ronbrown thing is super compepetitive</p>
<p>rj,
What were your essays about?</p>
<p>There were two essay on the initial application. One was about a meaningful extra-curricular activity--conveniently, the Yale supplement--the second was an essay from a college application, so I chose my Amherst supplement essay (I responded to quote #5, for those in the know). These were about forensics and my personal rants, respectively.</p>
<p>On the semi-finalist application there were two additional essays: one about the greatest challenge to the African American community in the 21st century, the other about Ron Brown's legacy. These were about division in the Black community and Brown's commitment to Africa, respectively.</p>