<p>For the first question, it asks about budget cuts/what would we cut back. Is it okay to talk about some things our own HS did that we feel was wrong/unnecessary? Or does that make us seem like terrible students…</p>
<p>Tough question, AcaiFrosh, but Schreyer questions usually are 
Just some off-the-cuff ideas for you for this question. </p>
<p>In general, be clear, MAKE EACH WORD INTENTIONAL and support each contention. Make it easy for the reviewer to evaluate and read – if appropriate use thesis statement, topic sentences and conclusion. </p>
<p>First, this question is an opportunity to present your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.</p>
<p>Second, because you have first-hand experience, your exposure brings legitimacy (and that may be a unique perspective) to your viewpoint – ie the music program was cut and you’re a musician. How has that impacted you? Your classmates or school, if relevant? Make sure that it doesn’t become a laundry list of complaining. Was there anything positive? Again, balanced and honest.</p>
<p>Third, what do you think the short term impacts then long term consequences may be? Again, both positive and negative consequences, if germane.</p>
<p>Fourth, how would you problem solve? How could you be involved in that problem solving equation? What are some positive things? Think outside the box and support. </p>
<p>Lastly, review, review, review and then review it again.</p>
<p>Just some ideas. Good luck! </p>
<p>One last thing – yes, I didn’t review my post. </p>
<p>All the foregoing doesn’t preclude you from presenting your critical analysis creatively. While you want review to be effortless, you don’t necessarily want the reviewer nodding off.</p>
<p>Again, good luck.</p>
<p>@pilot2012 Submitted my app on Friday and i actually mentioned many of the things in your post! Thank you for the reassurance I did have a long essay (640 words) so i had to cut out some of my points 
Hopefully they think it was thorough enough! </p>
<p>Best effort can be crossed off the list, @AcaiFrosh? Good for you! Perhaps you will be able to repurpose those ideas in other college/school essays. That said, take time to enjoy your accomplishment (and then get back at it) </p>
<p>One last thing – whether you are accepted or not to Schreyer is NOT a barometer for your future success. Do not get on that roller coaster. It can be a crap shoot at this level. I know two exceptional young graduates who were not accepted to Schreyer (scholarships at Villanova, CMU, blah, blah, blah). Both received Presidential Fellowships and attended another very competitive school. Both are now gainfully employed: one graduate passed her CPA six months following graduation, working for a big 10 accounting firm/the other graduate an Actuary for a large insurance company. Your success is not dependent on where you attend – you know that, I’m sure.</p>
<p>I wish you well in all your future endeavors.</p>
<p>@AcaiFrosh By any chance did you hear back from Penn State and or Schreyer yet? </p>
<p>@BaZnGa Accepted to University Park and asked to do an interview for Schreyer…i believe those decisions come out in February</p>