<p>Some friends and I have all received envelopes in the mail about being HM and Merit winners (Merit, Short Story for me). So that stuff has gone out! Best of luck everyone!</p>
<p>Congrats emerald! Yesterday, I got two packets in the mail from Youngarts. I won HM in Short Story and Merit in Poetry. A friend called YA Friday and they told her that at this point ALL finalists have been notified. According to the rep, the HM and Merit letters were sent on the 21st and the rejection letters will be going out on the first of December. Nothing will be done by email or call at this point. Check your mailboxes and good luck!</p>
<p>Yay! I got rejected! :(</p>
<p>What did you get rejected in? Don’t feel bad-- YoungArts is very Competitive.</p>
<p>Wait I’m so confused! My friend told me she got a call about being a writing finalist today at like 3:00? Are they still calling finalists? When does this madness end!</p>
<p>No way! That would explain the lack photography finalist !I look on YoungArts 2013 Facebook group and saw 0 photography people announcing that they where finalist. I guess thats good since I haven’t been contacted at all by YoungArts–gives me hope that maybe I still have a shot at being a finalist. Although your friend could just be a alternate :-P</p>
<p>lol this is why I like the scholastics art and writing awards. everyone is emailed on the same day- either you win or you don’t. a friend of mine had called last week and they said all finalists have already been notified but they’re still notifying more writing finalists? a little confusing.</p>
<p>Hello Wrencher94-Be careful when you say “just” an alternate. My daughter might not even be “just” an alternate, and she has the following credits to her resume:</p>
<p>Classical Singer semi-finals (her first national competition) 2012
Consistently takes top 3 prizes in regional and state-wide NATS competitions
District and State Honors Chorus participation
Consistently selected as a soloist in a very prestigious choir
Currently invited to one of the most sought-after colleges to audition for Early Decision, and is being pursued (one with substantial scholarship offer even before she has auditioned) by 3 of the top universities/colleges for VP. It boggles my mind at how many other talented kids who have similar resumes are being turned away…</p>
<p>My husband, who teaches in a nationally recognized studio at a university/college, has a YA winner. This person is definitely a stand-out in a class full of incredibly talented kids, and although he feels that it’s a great honor to be recognized, it’s a long road ahead, with a lot of work. Think of YA as a great accomplishment with a good start to where you want to go. Being a Finalist, HM or Merit winner at YA is amazing, so please don’t dismiss those who weren’t selected for this particular honor. You never know who might be the next Big Thing…</p>
<p>Honestly, I don’t know how they pick finalists, except that, for voice at least, I suspect that some effort is taken to make the finalist pool gender and racially balanced. That’s why they ask for videos instead of just audio tapes. I think that my S was helped by being an unusual voice type (bass) and having a personality that comes across very well on video. Just like with college apps, they get a million sopranos and they can only select a few.</p>
<p>Hi megpmom-congratulations on your son being a Finalist! I think that you are absolutely correct in your assessment re: voice types and balance as I’ve seen it many times with sopranos. They’re kind of like flutists…LOL! Seriously, your son is obviously extremely talented and what a wonderful week he will have in Miami. And a bass at this young age…so much time to mature, like a very fine wine. : )</p>
<p>As far as the videos are concerned, they need to see that the person is actually performing…I have a friend who knew of someone, years ago, who submitted a professional as their preliminary audio tape. Guess what? They were quite disappointed when they found out what the candidate really sounded like…</p>