<p>Two of my friends got the treasured Morehead, they weren't superb in academics, but their extracurriculars were quite impressive. One was close to 2200 SAT and the other I am not sure about. I'm debating whether I should study and get 2350+ or invest my time elsewhere. Currently, I am valedictorian and doing some math and science clubs, but that type of stuff doesn't really seem to matter for the Morehead... I think my main problem is that I am too focused on academics and not really well balanced... So far, it seems that only people with 3-4 presidencies and nonprofit club founders get the scholarship....</p>
<p>So basically, what advice do you guys have? All advice and criticism will be greatly appreciated. A response from eadad would be so awesome. Again, thanks and feel free to be harsh =D</p>
<p>You basically need a sport, lots of leadership, a charitable organization, and to be in the top 5 percent of your class. It really pains me to say this, because it means I wont get it. But yeah, valedictorian doesn’t mean much with this scholarship.</p>
<p>Not true at all…you just need to lead a somewhat active lifestyle…you can be a jogger, an avid cyclist, a hiker/camper, a swimmer…you don’t have to be on a team or part of organized sports…they really just want kids who are very well rounded and who are not (for lack of a better description) couch potatoes.</p>
<p>Academics are very important but again only 1/4th of the criteria…leadership, athletic vigor and moral force of character are the other three.</p>
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<p>Again, NOT true…look at the number of Moreheads who graduate Phi Beta Kappa, with Highest Honors etc…Being Val or Sal is certainly not going to hurt you as long as you have the other prerequisites…</p>
<p>Moreheads tend to be very well rounded, exude a sort of “quiet leadership” and are self effacing almost to a fault…they don’t wear their accomplishments on their sleeves and are truly passionate about something often several things.</p>
<p>I say this in all honesty but I really believe that you can’t create a resume to “become” a Morehead candidate…it’s about heart and real passion that you either have or don’t have long before the college application process begins.</p>
<p>I hope this helps. PM me if you have a more specific question.</p>
<p>Son just received the Morehead. He has been a leader in a number of groups both at school and outside of school. He played multiple sports but also attended yoga regularly and runs. Eadad is correct…they want physical vigor not necessarily athletic teams. He is first in his class and had high test scores. There have been Moreheads from his high school in the past who had lower test scores then he had. He has been very involved with various community service projects and has had leadership positions in these organizations.</p>
<p>I am probably biased but I have seen him speak in front of large groups and he does an exceptional job and in interviews is very relaxed, can speak about himself and his accomplishments in a very confident manner yet is humble.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about UNC or the Morehead experience please feel free to PM me. My son is a UNC grad and was also a Morehead recipient.</p>
<p>I agree with everybody that test scores are not the biggest factor. Our valedictorian just got the Morehead (although I think that many in the top 10 have better test scores). They are interested in people who have done things to make the most out of their high school career. The girl who got it basically does everything. Personally I’m not her biggest fan because she’s obviously not passionate about anything, but she’s good at faking and bsing. But I won’t go on about that because I believe that the majority of the winners are genuinely amazing people.</p>
<p>Out of the 10 or so people I know who applied, she was the only one who got through the first cut. I was nominated by my school but I decided not to apply because I knew that I hadn’t done enough. Another guy from my school who got it three years ago was either #2 or 3, did xc and track, went to governors school, had leads in several productions, did chorus/a capella, was either student body president or president of NHS, and I think he started at least two or three clubs. And that’s just in school. I know he also did a lot of work with his church and probably a lot of service work as well. He is definitely one of those genuine people who love doing what they do.</p>
<p>You said to be harsh, so I’m going to say that it’s probably not worth applying. You have to be incredibly well rounded and have several activities in each section as well as the academics. But this isn’t mean - this is exactly what I said to myself when I decided not to apply.</p>
<p>I would never say never … we had zero expectations, not that I don’t have a great kid, but we really never thought it would happen … it did. I think you have to try … especially if you are planning on applying to UNC anyway.</p>
<p>Definitely not meaningless. Nothing you have a passion for is meaningless. And I guess I do agree that you might as well apply, but there is no point in having expectations. I had a few friends who weren’t really that involved but were so convinced that they would at least get past the first round and were crushed. I was nice but I half wanted to say ‘i told you so.’ I applied for the Robertson and had no expectations and wasn’t really that disappointed when I didn’t make the first cut. There are just so many people applying that even if you are the most qualified person for the scholarship, you never know if you’re going to get cut or not.</p>
<p>I’m just really big on no expectations. I have a friend who is convinced that he’s going to get into NYU and Duke and talks about how his mom wants him to go to Duke but he’s probably going to turn it down to go to NYU. If you apply…don’t be like him. </p>
<p>And the Morehead isn’t everything. UNC does have a decent number (although never enough) of merit scholarships and there are always a bunch of outside scholarships to go after to make college more affordable.</p>