Presidential Scholars Program Weekend

Presidential Scholars Program Weekend

January 16-17, January 30-31 and February 13-14

Friday

Students and Parents

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Check-in, Scholars Dinner and Celebration
*Parking is available at the Qubein Arena Lot, accessible at 1315 N. University Parkway.

Saturday

Students

7:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
Check-in and Continental Breakfast

7:50 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sessions, interviews, campus tours and reception events
*Interviews will conclude by 3:30 p.m., with the event wrapping up at 4:30 p.m. We kindly ask that you plan your travel arrangements to accommodate the full schedule.

Parents

7:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
Check-in and Continental Breakfast

7:50 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sessions, campus tours and reception events

Before Your Scholarship Weekend

1. Do a little research on relevant facts related to the Presidential Scholarship.  Primarily, read about the various levels of the Presidential Scholarship. This will help jog your memory about what the interviewers are looking for in potential Presidential Scholars, which will help you answer questions more precisely.
2. Review your application and the essays you wrote so you will be prepared to address any questions related to what you wrote.
3. Think about how becoming a Presidential Scholar will influence your education and career development and be prepared to talk about that.
4. Have a couple of questions prepared to ask the interviewers. Asking questions that reveal your interest in contributing to the High Point University community helps show your high level of commitment.
5. Pick out your interview outfit ahead of time. Be appropriate and professional (see below for more “what to wear” details).
6. You do not need to bring anything to your interview. The interviewers will have a copy of your application and official transcripts.
7. Relax and be yourself! The Scholarship Committee already thought you were pretty great, that’s why you were invited to interview! These conversations are your chance to prove that the Committee made the right decision.

Potential Interview Questions

1. Tell us about yourself.  Your background, your accomplishments.
2. Describe ways in which you’ve challenged yourself academically outside classwork.​
3. What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
4. What are your academic goals? Career goals? Where do you see yourself in ten years?
5. What has been your most challenging class and how did you overcome it?
6. Tell us about the biggest mistake you’ve ever made in school or school-related activities and what you learned from it.
7. Tell us about a time when you felt challenged, or when your abilities were tested.
8. What personal achievement are you most proud of?
9. What’s one thing you hope to be better at when you’re a senior at HPU?​
10. You’ve accomplished many commendable achievements already. Where do you think you can improve, or where do you have room to grow?
11. ​If you were President for a day, what would you do and why?
12. Tell me about a time you stepped up without being asked.
13. You’re very involved in community service (student government /athletics/church, temple, etc.). What project are you most proud of and why?
14. What leadership roles have you held in your extracurricular activities? What have you learned as a result of those roles?
15. Tell me about a time you chose a harder path when an easier option was available.

*These are not necessarily questions you will be asked, but they are known to be common interview questions. If you have a few prepared answers for these, it will be helpful.

DO:

1. Be on time. When you check in you will receive your interview times and locations. Ask an HPU staff member where the building is located and arrive a few minutes early to ensure you have time to find the correct room.
2. Introduce yourself to the interviewers, look them in the eyes, shake hands firmly—show your self-confidence!
3. Be yourself!  We want you to answer all the questions honestly, so just relax and be you! This is the time to emphasize your accomplishments.
4. When asked a question, listen carefully, think about your answer and respond with interest, enthusiasm and confidence.
5. Maintain eye contact as you speak.
6. Say “thank you” at the conclusion of the interview!  Everyone likes good manners!
7. Practice! Conduct a mock interview with a friend, parent or teacher. It wouldn’t hurt to write out your answers for the questions above so you have a definite outline of what you would say. Then, when you practice in front of the mirror or a buddy, you can better recall the things you wanted to say and you’ve thought through the best order and presentation of your answer.

DON’T:

1. Be critical about teachers, your high school, other universities, or friends.  This only reflects badly on you.
2. Chew gum, bite your nails, fidget, yawn, slouch, tap your foot/hand/knee, etc.
3. Assume the interviewers know all about you.  Even if you’ve included information in your application, they may not remember all of your accomplishments.