Jefferson Scholarship

Awarded solely on the basis of merit, Jefferson Scholarships are granted to candidates who have undergone a rigorous selection process. This fall, as in past years, the Foundation will identify finalists through two avenues: 

1) 50 regional competitions (including an international region and a group of “designated schools” with funds endowed to support Jefferson Scholars from those schools) and a separate competition that permits review of all applicants to the Schools of Nursing and Architecture, and

2) every applicant for admission to the University, including international students, who attends a secondary school not eligible to compete in the nomination process. All finalists are chosen using the same selection standards.

In the regional competitions prospective scholars must be recommended by a school eligible to nominate candidates. In 2006-07 the Foundation received 963 nominations from these participating secondary schools. Committees for 48 regions carefully reviewed the candidates’ nomination forms, and local interviews were held in the geographical regions. Of these nominees, 88 finalists were chosen to come to Charlottesville to compete at the national level.

In March of 2007 the Jefferson Scholars Foundation hosted 95 finalists for Jefferson Scholars Selection Weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia. The finalists experienced a variety of activities during the four days they were on Grounds. The first half of the experience offered the opportunity to attend classes, visit Thomas Jefferson’s home Monticello, and ask questions of both a faculty panel and panels of current Jefferson Scholars. The second half of the competition featured a math and logic exam, a written essay, participation in seminars led by University faculty, and a personal interview. In addition, the finalists participated in several social events including a Friday evening dinner with Scholars, alumni, and faculty members, and a special candlelight dinner in the Dome Room of the Rotunda on Saturday evening.

soo, have to go up to the Jefferson Scholars Weekend to compete at the final stage for this thing. 35 slots for 97 people. I hope it doesn't get too vicious: I didn't have room to pack my ninja weapons. And it doesn't help that I had a dream yesterday that I was sitting in for the interview and I was falling asleep and all the interviewers were penguins. So it was like:

Interviewer 1: Gweep squawk! *flaps flippers* Squeak auwk?

Me: *yawn* Um...I don't understand what you're saying. Wha- *conks out*

Slowly but Surely Freaking out about this whole thing...