“What makes you an excellent candidate for this scholarship?” - Grade 9-10 Scholarship Interview Day

Since the 2016 academic year, the specific and prestigious scholarships for the grade 9 and 10 students in the High School section of Shanghai High School International Division has required students to participate in an interview before the Principal, and Social Activity awards are distributed. In addition to a detailed application for the Principal, Academic, or Social Activity scholarship, the scholarship board wants an opportunity to meet with students personally to assess their personality and character, as well as their academic and social work achievements. Application judges want to determine that the application being submitted fits the applicant, and that the applicant is a prime candidate for the scholarship that is being awarded.

This year, the interviews for the Principal and Social Activity scholarships were conducted on the morning of the 30^thof August. The scholarship committee consisted of director Liu Min of grade 9 and 10, the head teachers of grade 9 and 10: Ms. Yueyue Zhang and Zhen Yu, English teachers: Mr.Pickart, Mr.Ingham, Mr. Pardy, and Ms. Hammock, and other teacher and student representatives from grade 9 and 10.

“Does the mere thought of participating in an interview send you into a cold sweat?” During the interviews, some of the applicants’ unique performances provided answers to this question. All of the students dressed in business attire, namely in buttoned-down collared shirts, or knee-length skirts or dresses, in order to give the scholarship committee a positive first impression. Instead of rattling off a laundry list of accomplishments and awards, most students used something personal to give the interviewer some insight into who they really are and why they would be the best choice for the award. Students used tools like Powerpoint and Poster to better illustrate the remarkable aspects about them during their interview.

For candidates of the Principal scholarship, their presentations were focused on three main parts: academic achievements, social activities, and community service. Aside from their outstanding achievements in academic work, students also mentioned their participation in extracurricular activities, such as debating, MUN, and various competitions, like China Think Big. Moreover, students also highlighted the spare time they reserve for community service after class and the ways that they help others and model being a leader of the community. It is truly amazing how some candidates are able to manage their time so wisely and balance both their academic and social work so exceptionally well.

For candidates of the Social Activity scholarship, most of them highlighted the work they have done in areas of ASB, SHSID times, MUN, Mock Trial, Peer advisers, different clubs, class monitors, and competitions. Some students expressed that they felt time management in terms of academic and social activity is so very important, and that they are going to achieve higher in their academic work in the coming school year. After each student’s presentation, the scholarship committee asked each candidate a few questions in order to find out more details about their achievements and involvement. The questions mainly pertained to students’ academic achievement, extracurricular activities, large obstacles students have overcome, students’ goals and expectations for progress in new semester, and so on.

During the whole morning’s presentations and interviews, all of the participants were proud of themselves. After all, what truly matters is not who will receive the scholarship this year, but the process along the way; in other words, what really matters is all of the things that makes these students excellent candidates (or winners) of these scholarships. High School is a time in a student’s schooling life where they may begin to get anxious, which means that students should prepare themselves not only for the academic work, but also making time to explore things that interest them, both inside and outside of school. Aside from having a strong academic focus, students should also try courses that are stimulating and challenging to them, and activities that cater to their individual interests and passions. While some students struggle to turn themselves into clones of the “ideal” applicant for a scholarship or for college, what really matters is “you being you.” Pursue the things you love, grow, change, take risks, learn from your mistakes…Do all of this in your own unique way.

(Written by Sophia Yang Picture by Haijie Feng)