<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I just learned of this program. What are your experiences with this program? How prestigious/credible is it? How hard is the acceptance? What type of knowledge does it require? What type of students are accepted?</p>
<p>Anyone with some knowledge of this program I would appreciate your input.</p>
<p>I was thinking of applying as well (well, I guess more than thinknig since the app is due in a couple weeks in FL). </p>
<p>But, from my research it seems to be a pretty big deal. However, if you are from a large state (like me) acceptance is difficult, because only 2 students per state get to go. Sounds pretty competitive to me.</p>
<p>Every state handles the testing in a different way and in my state the students sat for the test already last week - so check the specific dates for your state. Each school chooses a number of students to take the multiple choice/essay test which is then sent to the state board of ed to be graded. They choose top ten from the written test to be interviewed and then 2 finalists. You're competing with those in your state who took the test - it's open to jr's and sr's and it seems generally that more sr's win but that's not always true. If you do a google search on the program and your state board of ed you may find people who won in the past. The winners are always announced in the beginning of Dec, and in my state, at least, it's a big deal</p>
<p>Hey, it sounds interesting can you post the link?</p>
<p>Here ya go Ilovesoftball - <a href="http://hearstfdn.org/ussyp/%5B/url%5D">http://hearstfdn.org/ussyp/</a></p>
<p>The state e-mail contacts are listed on the site - but no specific state info. Ask your GC or Hist/Gov dept head for specifics and most state boards of ed have good info listed on their websites. The one pre-qualifier to taking the test is you have to hold an elected position in school gov (and they usually don't count clubs - but you'll have to ask)</p>
<p>Thanks Backfin :)</p>