How is your team formed?

[Kristina]

Hey everyone,
I know its sad to think that this year is already coming to a close, but on the bright side, that means school is almost out also.

I was wondering how everyone's teams are formed.
Do you have a class in your school just for robotics or is it a club?
Is there tough competition to get onto the team or is everyone allowed?
How do you pick people if you have to limit the number?
Do people apply for different subgroups?

I was just curious because we just picked our successors for next year <sniff> since 25/30 people on the team this year are graduating. This year was the first year we were a class and there were 160 people who filled out applications for 30 spots. Of course, people were allowed to come help us afterschool, and thats when we did most of the building anyway.

After seeing how much it was this year, there were less applicants, I think around 75 but they were all really qualified. People ranked what subgroups they would like to be in the most (design/construction, animation, management, etc) so we got a diverse group. Me and our fearless leader, King Jeff, selected 15 based on their applications and then we interviewed the rest and had to make the heartbreaking cuts. I have a new found respect for the college admissions boards!

I thought our system of applications and interviews was really good and I think we selected an awesome team for next year. Anyone else have any ideas?