<p>My son received notification via mail on Saturday that he was on a short list (57 total) for the Wells Scholarship. He will be attending a two-day interview process on December 5th and 6th. The schedule describes various luncheons, dinners, tours, etc. along with both group and individual interviews. They will notify all potential candidates by the end of the year as they are awarding between 18-22 scholarships.</p>
<p>My question is whether there are any students that have been through this process that can provide any tips or suggestions for the weekend, questions that caught them off guard, etc.</p>
<p>First of all congratulations to your son. There was probably a thousand nominations, so making the interview round is special. Please keep in mind the weekend is working to excite the student’s about I.U., many of these kids are going to have to decide between a very selective school and other scholarship offers. It also seems to me there is an attempt to have a cross section of students. Some looking to major in the sciences or mathematics or business or the arts. If your son is an Indiana resident there is a strong likelihood that there will be an offer for the Herbst Presidential Scholarship, if he isn’t offered the Wells.Be rested, enthusiastic and most important be yourself.</p>
<p>My niece was a Wells Scholar. This weekend was the only part of the process I remember her Mom/my sister speaking of. I saw photos, etc. I really don’t have any suggestions but I know that my niece makes an unbelievable personal impression. Very bright (as they all are), and quite personable. A real conversation starter. I guess I’d say MATURE is the keyword. Don’t brag but don’t hide your light under a basket either. REALLY listen intently. Maturity. I imagine they told him but I recall that many functions required nice dress. Easy for a girl to have that perfect black cocktail dress or a boy a nice suit plus another jacket…and be all set for the weekend. Of COURSE also more casual clothes and good walking shoes. And the weather! Be prepared for the weather if you’re not from Indy. Could be warm, cold, drizzle, pouring, snow storm. Maturity…have I said that yet? </p>
<p>Bottom line…that’s an unbelievable short list, to know you’ve got a 1 in 3 chance of making it to Wells Scholar. Be VERY proud. And, as Hoosierbonds said…if you are from Indiana and do end up with “only” the Presidential…he’ll till be getting pretty much getting a full ride anyway (by the time you add the automatic and honors colleges and Presidential, etc).</p>
<p>GOOD LUCK!!! We’ll be cheering for you CCers.</p>
<p>D went to HS with two different Wells Scholars from 2 different years. I concur with R124687 as to some of the common traits. Both were mature, smart, of course, but also able to function very well socially. Both were very well liked by peers to give you idea of personalities. Neither was the stereotypical nerdy genius. Both had legitimate interests outside of academics. They were/are both funny. They both just “shine” in a room. I don’t know if one can really prepare for the questions and activities other than to be able to answer questions naturally and easily. Best wishes to him.</p>
<p>One of my best friends here is a Wells Scholar. She is absolutely brilliant but 100% sociable and well-liked by everyone - not a typical nerd whatsoever. Very mature and composed, talkative as well. She’s also told me that she has met a lot of really nice, interesting and fun people through Wells. Best of luck to your child with the interview process!</p>
<p>Does anybody know if there is a “Wait List” for Wells Scholarships? I imagine that some turn down Wells Scholarships for other schools. Do they fill those scholarships with other finalists? And, if so, what is the procedure for doing so?</p>
<p>My questions were answered at the wrap-up session.</p>
<p>All finalists are either offered the scholarship or wait-listed.</p>
<p>The wait-list is not ranked, rather candidates are selected off the wait-list in order to “round out” the class of Wells Scholars. The deadline for accepting the Wells Scholarship is April 21, so don’t expect to be chosen from the wait-list until late April.</p>