Hi! I figured we could use a forum to get through this 16-hour application together. Congrats to all candidates!
Got selected as a candidate. Started looking through the application and my school isn’t even on there list…
Hi everyone, thanks for starting the thread. Can you please explain to me the selection process? Is it purely based on SAT/ACT? My daughter got 35 on the ACT, and did not take the PSAT, does it mean she definitely won’t be selected as a candidate? Any other criteria? I also read that each state’s secretary of education nominates 10 girls and 10 boys, how does that happen? Do kids submit their names for nomination, or what? Thanks so much!
Hi @typiCAmom! I definitely was nominated by my Secretary of Education in AZ, and I can kind of walk you through what happens here in AZ. I also vaguely understand some other states like NY as well. In AZ, I was nominated because I have received other accolades from the Department of Education like being a USSYP alternate and that’s why they invited me to apply to be of the 20. In other states, schools are asked to submit one student with a Resume and transcript and decide like that. I assume you’re from CA which is of course super competitive (I know I don’t have to tell you that!) and so I don’t know if it is different there 
@bachbend, thanks so much for replying, it really helps! From what I understand, D should inquire with her school guidance counselor what their process is and if there is a way to throw your name in the hat. Thank you!
The information about the selection process and the list of candidates for 2019 is here,
Hey all! I was nominated through the Secretary of Education in CO, and I’m honored but not looking forward to that long app 
Question to you all, do you think this warrants an update letter to the school’s you’re applying to and how would you draft it? thanks!
^Agreed! I thought that since it’s based on test scores and academic achievement (for the most part), it wouldn’t be particularly influential on our admissions outcomes. Anyone else have any input?
I’m definitely also wondering 
idk if it would make a big difference in many of my schools- but the ivy’s maybe? could use some insight!
The program has zero impact on college admission. It’s an honor for sure but nothing more than that.
The essay seems really open ended. Can we really write about anything we want?
does anyone know whether all the essays we write matter? like there’s one essay for “why did u choose to honor this teacher.” do i have to write a good response to that? ie. will they be reading that closely or do i rly only have to work hard at the photograph essay
Did anyone apply?
I did, still haven’t gotten anything back. I think they said mid april for semi-finalist announcements
I just want to know!
My daughter is a 2019 semi-finalist! Very happy for her!
Does anyone know when the results for finalists come out??
I believe it was stated as “early May” so hopefully soon!
It is now posted on their website