Dean's List Interview

[alex.lew]

Talk with someone supportive - a mentor, a family member, a friend - right before you speak with the judges. I was extremely nervous while waiting to be interviewed. Fortunately, our lead mentor gave me a little "pep talk" before and after to make sure I didn't get too stressed out.
At Bayou last year, when I was interviewed, the interview lasted 10 minutes. There were 2 judges. The atmosphere was casual and conversational, I would talk about my role on the team and they would ask questions building on my previous responses.

Knowing what your nomination essay says is HUGELY important. My judges started by asking for some clarification about points made in the essay. They will also ask you to describe your role on the team and how you've mentored younger students.

Towards the end, they ask "How do you see yourself contributing to FIRST after you've graduated?" As one of the goals of selecting DL finalists and winners is to anchor a strong alumni network, this is a question worth thinking about well in advance.

Just being nominated for Dean's List, cliche as it may sound, is a huge honor. There are way too many deserving students at regionals for every one of them to be recognized. My younger sister was nominated this year, didn't win at Bayou, but is still devoted to making our team and our region stronger. She was disappointed but didn't let it crush her. I think it's important to give yourself a little space after the interview to put things in perspective, remember that your achievements can't be invalidated by one award, and that you can still get so much out of FIRST.

(coming from someone who's read several rejection letters from admissions offices, this is an extremely hard thing to do, but also very necessary to stay positive)

Best of luck!