CSchultz1117

I am also going to be a Sophomore, and I am applying for the Russian program. I haven't decided on Academic or Summer yet... I didn't really understand that weird age chart thing. I've never study abroad either! I really hope I get to go!

icraze

what are they looking for in the program

BobbyJo

Hey, icraze.
NSLI-Y wants kids who aren't afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone and are willing to deal with a new culture and language. It's even better if you say that your target language will help you in the future (for a future career).

They pay a great deal of attention to your essays. My friend told me that the essays count the most in the application process, NOT your GPA.

When I went on the China summer program-which, by the way, was INCREDIBLE- I noticed that the majority of the kids who were in my city were driven and willing to cope with culture shock.

itsajourney

Hey everyone!!! I got the NSLI-Y scholarship this past summer, and I have to say it was the most rewarding experience of my entire life. I went to India to learn Hindi and it was amazing. I make vlogs and stuff, and I made videos to help with the application process. I can answer any questions that you have!
here's my channel worth your rupees - YouTube
You'll find all the assorted NSLI-Y vids there

Fourth

Hello all, I am curious.

I just learned about this program a week ago and am looking to apply. But I noticed how so many of you already began the application process months in advance.

Would anyone who had gone on a NSLI program know if my chances of being accepted lower since my application is later?

Apollo6

As long as you submit by the deadline, your application will be considered the same as the application of someone who has been dreaming about NSLI-Y for ages. You really need to make a good case for why you want to study the language and show that you are a good investment. The first year my kids applied they did not get accepted for summer programs. The second year they had both done StarTalk summer programs the summer before (that had been their back up plan when they were rejected by NSLI-Y) and continued their study of the language during the school year. They could demonstrate a serious commitment to the language and show that they planned to continue studying it in college. They were both accepted for the programs they selected. My D (Class of 2013) studied in Chengdu and Kunming, China last summer. My S (Class of 2014) is in Beijing for the school year. It is an early "gap year" for him so he will now graduate in 2015 but that is his choice. Both had/are having good experiences.

Something else that helps your application is diversity. Basically, the majority of applicants are middle to upper class white girls. If you are male and/or African American, Hispanic, Asian or Native American and/or lower income (free or reduced price lunch), your odds are higher for being chosen. The state department wants the students they send abroad to represent America.

chloe314

Doesn't it say on the application that statistical information (like race) isn't reviewed in the admissions process?

Apollo6

Good question. Maybe the first round (getting to the interview) does not take into consideration race, ethnicity, gender or age but I expect that it is significant in making it from the interview stage to the final selection.

4beardolls

DS attended the program this past summer. He said that the program met his expectations, although the implementation organization could have managed the program better. He did improve his target language skills as he was able to improve his ACTFL OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) rating from Intermediate Mid to Intermediate High at the conclusion of the program.

BobbyJo

Do they really take ethnicity into account? Or is that just an assumption?

4beardolls, I agree with your DS. I was under AFS, and we were often confused about the schedule due to the organization. However, I had an amazing time over the summer and definitely improved my oral skills. This year I'm applying China Year program...for those who have already done so, are the chances of being acccepted equivalent to the summer program?

Nagela

Hi everyone! I'm a Senior, and this is my second year applying. I got to the interview part last year, but sadly, got rejected after! So 500% this year! Did anyone else apply this year?

BobbyJo

Hey Nagela! I'm a senior too, applying for the China year program. What are you applying for? Best of luck to you! ^_^

Nagela

You too BobbyJo! I applied for Arabic as my first choice, Turkey as my second, and India as my third. Good luck with the year program! I think you have a higher chance, since less people apply to that one. Best of luck

BobbyJo

That's so cool Nagela! Did you apply for summer?
And yeah, I'm hoping to get in. Some of my other friends that I had met through China summer applied for the year program, but they haven't gotten their semifinalist status yet. :/ I heard that only 20 people got to go last year D:

Nagela

Yes, I did apply for the summer sessions for all three programs. My friend Sarah went to Zhouzhuang, China last summer through NSLI-Y and she said that it was the most incredible experience of her life. I really hope you make it; I think it would be so cool to experience that culture! I think you will, don't worry about the limit last year; it may change this year. Do you find out about your semifinalist status the same time as the summer applicants? I heard some people got theirs, but I never got mine yet. Oh well, it's a waiting game now. Oh! So are you planning to do a Gap year, provided you get accepted? Thanks for responding, btw. I love making new friends on CC.