Hey everyone! So several people have posted about application advice, and I found them very helpful when I was applying. So, heres mine.
Application Advice
1. Be yourself and be truthful - don't make up stuff you've done. Complete no-no. Don't exaggerate and don't be superficial, because these folks have seen a LOT of applications. Chances are, they'll see right through it all.
2. Don't be a show-off - Let's be honest. You want to make yourself look good, but talking about your popularity and the fact that you think you're better than everyone else doesn't help.
3. Proofread - it's far better to be safe than sorry. I had my english teacher look over mine numerous times. Also, make sure you're not talking about the same thing in every essay. These people want to see the real you, so show them as much as you can!
4. Get good recommendations - Don't go to your cooking class teacher. No. Choose the teachers who you believe will give you the best recommendations. I had my english teacher (who's german) and my former world geography teacher write mine.
5. Try to meet the deadline - This year it was December 21st I think. They give you an extension, but try to finish it before so that you're not rushed.
Interview Tips
1. Dress for success - Don't wear jeans. You want to show them that you care about this scholarship so I would recommend business attire, but still try to be fashionable(The fashionable part is more for girls. Obvi.).
2. Be honest - Like I said in the app advice, don't lie. PLEASE. Don't be a suck-up, either. These people are smart. They know what you're doing. Be really polite but not over-the-top
3. It's all in the handshake - If you walk into the interview and give the interviewers a dead-fish handshake, your first impression isn't going to be as great as you hoped. Look them in the eye and give a firm handshake. Woooo!
4. Prepare yourself - beforehand, have someone ask you questions that could be in the interview. Here are some examples(which may not be real questions): Why Germany? What's the longest you've ever been away from home? Why should we pick you? Do you have any german language background? Have you ever murdered anyone?(urm). Well, you get the idea
5. Prepare yourself part 2 - After the interview, get people's numbers and stay in touch. Just remember, only 50 people from your region will get that call. So even if you felt insanely confident, not everyone will get in. Just remember that you could be in the "not" category. Be optimistic though! :)
6. Don't replay your answers over and over in your head - okay, this is hard not to do, but if you think you messed up, try not to hang on it. You can't go back and change it.
7. Avoid sensitive subjects - The interview is not a time to get political or talk about sensitive subjects in German history. Like World War II. Seriously. Don't. This is also not a time to talk about how much you hate X senator and all that jazz.
8. Good Luck! If anyone has any questions, email me at a.k.laser@gmail.com
