1. Information for Summer of 2017 applicants
Governor’s Scholar
Information for Summer of 2017 applicants

2. Eligibility & Requirements
To be eligible to apply and be selected as a Governor's Scholar, a student must:
Be in the 11th grade at a Kentucky public or private school at the time of selection and intend to return to a Kentucky school district for the next school term (Students skipping their senior year to enter college are not eligible);
Be a current resident of Kentucky;
Have taken the ACT, PSAT, or SAT in the 9th, 10th or 11th grades.
After completion of their own Governor's Scholars application, students must be selected and sent by their school districts or private schools to be considered for the statewide selection process.

3. Focus Areas at GSP
Students will indicate their top three choices from among a variety of interest areas (see list below for descriptions). GSP staff will assign students to one of the top three choices.
Focus Areas meet weekly for a minimum of 12 hours per week.
Emphasis will be placed on individual and/or group projects, the development of ideas within the particular discipline, identification of significant themes, and on the interrelatedness of the discipline to other content areas.
Class size will vary from students, with most around 19.

4. PLEASE NOTE: The focus areas are not designed to prepare you for any high school or college course or to score higher on the ACT or SAT.
The GSP focus area courses are meant to provide broad, interdisciplinary, intellectual exposure and enrichment, rather than narrow, disciplinary training.
Students are encouraged to try a focus area in which they have little prior experience.

5. AGRIBUSINESS/BIOTECHNOLOGY: This course explores the diverse components of agriculture and emphasizes the contemporary methods and technology – including biotechnology – that are applied to this traditional field of studies in its new age of development. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: This course features orientation to the historical perspectives of design from an architectural point of view, focusing on such aspects as landscape, interior, and historic preservation. ASTRONOMY: This course provides a hands-on introduction to theoretical and observational astronomy. It combines late night observing sessions with regular classroom experiences. The course emphasizes the techniques of science and how they apply to the discipline of astronomy. BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: This course stresses contemporary issues in and interrelationships between the various biological sciences. Classes may focus on environmental issues that impact our lives and communities. BUSINESS, ACCOUNTING, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: This course explores a wide-range of economic forces and systems that have shaped and will impact societies, individuals, and bring about change. It will include exposure to real situations in the business world as well as introductory accounting techniques. CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE: This course offers intensive exposure to Chinese as a foreign language and to the Chinese culture within the broader frame of Asian heritage and tradition.
COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL THEORY: (Media, Sociology, Gender Studies, etc.) This course explores social and communication systems, considering them as forces that affect nations and individuals. CREATIVE WRITING AND LITERARY STUDIES: This course emphasizes the tactics and strategies in written texts – including those the Scholars write – and the human values those texts articulate. CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY: This course is a study of various societies and ways of life, including sub-cultures within our own civilization. Students will differentiate universal aspects of human behavior from those that are socially determined. It may also include archaeological activities. DRAMATIC EXPRESSION: This course explores creative expression through both practice and theoretical study of the dramatic arts. Students may be exposed to the various aspects of this art form including movement, literature, history, performance, and technical elements. ENGINEERING: This course is an orientation to the historical and ethical perspective of engineering. It demonstrates the application of mathematics and science to the solution of “real-world” problems, and helps scholars understand the role of the engineer in today’s world. FILM STUDIES: This course explores the history and development of film, emphasizing techniques used to produce a movie, as well as perspectives from which to read and interpret film.

6. FORENSIC SCIENCE: This course focuses on the role of forensics as a tool for scientists and law enforcement agencies in criminal justice processes and investigations. HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY: This course will focus on the various fields of study dealing with health issues from a broad range of perspectives, e.g. medicine, insurance, disabilities, physical therapy, etc. HISTORICAL ANALYSIS: This course stresses concepts and movements – cultural, social, and intellectual – rather than historical “facts.” INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: This course focuses on the importance of seeing the world from a global perspective with emphasis on the relationships among nations and cultures. JOURNALISM AND MASS MEDIA: This course will explore the many different means through which news and information are spread around the world. Students will acquire hands-on experience broadcasting through various media as they consider the practical and ethical implications of modern journalism. MODES OF MATHEMATICAL THINKING: This course explores some of the more exciting, less traditional aspects of mathematics, rather than focusing on the acquisition of new or specific skills. It emphasizes interrelationships of mathematical ideas and creative problem solving and applications.
MUSIC THEORY AND PERFORMANCE: This course explores various aspects of creative expression through both practice and theoretical study of music. Students may be exposed to various components of the art form including history, performance, and theory. PHILOSOPHY: This course emphasizes the history of ideas, the process of logic, and the influence of ethics and aesthetics on the individual and society. PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Chemistry, Geology, Physics): This course emphasizes the interrelatedness of such traditional areas as physics and chemistry to one another and to wider intellectual and social concerns.

7. POLITICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES: This course studies various political and legal systems and forces that impact societies and individuals to bring about change. PSYCHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL STUDIES: This course emphasizes the importance of psychological processes in driving behavior and shaping individuals as well as their societies. SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE: This course offers intensive exposure to Spanish as a foreign language and to the Hispanic culture. Students should have studied the language for at least one school year. VISUAL ARTS: This course explores various aspects of creative expression through both practice and theoretical study of the visual arts. Students are exposed to various media that may include, but are not limited to, painting, ceramics, glass, plaster, mosaics, photography, and drawing.

8. GENERAL STUDIES
Each scholar will be assigned to a General Studies group, which will meet about 6 – 8 hours a week to explore the topic(s) presented by the instructor.
GSP makes an effort to assign students whose focus area is in the sciences or mathematics to a general studies group led by an instructor in the humanities or social sciences and vice versa.
The emphasis will be on helping students develop their problem solving skills, and strengthening their creative thinking abilities, which leads to seeking solutions collectively that are both innovative and practical. Students will be encouraged and guided to develop leadership skills through the general studies classes, as well.
As a natural outgrowth of a program that nurtures self-confidence and personal responsibility, an interest in community service emerges. Scholars will receive guidance at GSP in planning for their future school or community service involvement. In most cases, civic engagement through community projects is part of the General Studies class. This component will help students further develop their leadership potential.

9. GOVERNOR’S SCHOLARS SEMINAR
Each student will participate in a discussion group concerned with issues and problems of interest to the group and the lives of students in contemporary society.
Each group will meet twice weekly for a total of three hours.
Topics such as interpersonal communication, family and peer relationships, college choice, and the responsibilities of academically talented students to society will be among issues to be considered for discussion.

10. Scholarships Offered to Kentucky Governor's Scholars The Governor’s Scholars Program is not a scholarship program, and therefore does not offer scholarships. The scholarship opportunities below are offered by Kentucky colleges and universities to students who have completed the Governor’s Scholars Program. For the most up to date information, please contact the respective college or university.
Asbury University offers all Governor's Scholars who graduate from KY high schools with a 2.50 GPA and 22 ACT or higher a 35% tuition scholarship. This award is renewed for up to four years or eight semesters provided the recipient maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.30.  Those students who meet the criteria for the Level III Presidential Scholarship will be invited to campus in early spring to compete for the Hughes and Morrison scholarships worth 50% and 100% of tuition.
Bellarmine University offers a Governor’s Scholars Scholarship of $1500 per year to admitted incoming freshmen who have completed the Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP). This $1500 per year scholarship is renewable and is offered in addition to any other institutional academic scholarship or merit award the student may otherwise receive. The Governor’s Scholars Scholarship award is only available for full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semester.
Berea College offers a renewable full-tuition scholarship for each Governor’s Scholar who enrolls that will rise in value according to tuition increases. There is no minimum GPA required.
Campbellsville University offers three full-tuition scholarships to students who participated in the Governor's Scholars Program. Students must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and 25 ACT/1140 SAT. The scholarship is renewable with a required GPA of 2.8.
Centre College offers a minimum scholarship in the amount of $19,000 to Governor's Scholars who have been admitted to Centre College, have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, are in the top 10% of their class, and an ACT composite of 28 or higher or an equivalent SAT-I score. This is only a minimum scholarship level; excellent students may qualify for a higher award. If a student wins a larger scholarship from Centre, this award does not "stack" - it is included in the higher award.
Eastern Kentucky University gives a renewable full-tuition scholarship to all Governor’s Scholars with a cumulative GPA of and an ACT composite of 25 or above. This scholarship is only available to incoming freshmen and is not awarded to all applicants who meet this criteria. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and remain enrolled with a full-time status.
Georgetown College offers a $12,000 Governor's Scholar Scholarship per year, renewable for four years to each incoming freshman completing the Governor's Scholar Program. To maintain the scholarship the student must have minimum of a 2.8 GPA. While Governor's Scholar Scholarships can not be combined with other academic awards, Scholars with higher GPA's and ACT may qualify for other academic scholarships worth more than $10,000 per year.
Kentucky Christian University offers a $10,000 Presidential Scholarship (renewable) to Governor's Scholars who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and an ACT composite of 28 or above. This scholarship is available to incoming freshmen.

11. Scholarships, continued…
Kentucky State University offers a full Presidential Scholarship to all Governor’s Scholars with a minimum ACT score of 26 and a minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale). The award covers full tuition, room, board, books and fees. Other scholarships include an Excellence Scholarship with a minimum ACT of 24 and minimum GPA of 3.25 which covers the value of in-state tuition, ½ room and ½ board, Thoroughbred Scholarship to all Governor’s Scholars with a minimum ACT of 21 and minimum GPA of 3.0 which covers the value of in-state tuition, and a Service County Scholarship with a minimum GPA of 3.0, which cover the value of in-state tuition for residents in the following counties: Anderson, Franklin, Frankfort Independent, Henry, Eminence Independent, Owen, Scott, Shelby, and Woodford.
Kentucky Wesleyan College  offers a renewable half-tuition scholarship in the amount of $11,675 per year to Governor's Scholars. Scholars with an ACT score of 25 or higher have the opportunity to submit an essay about their scholars experience to increase their scholarship amount. 
Lindsey Wilson College offers up to full-tuition, renewable scholarships to students with an ACT composite score of 24 or above. Students with a 23 or less receive up to one-half tuition. The students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and must be a first-time, full-time freshman. Scholarship renewal requires a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5 and completion of a minimum of 24 credit hours per academic year. There is an unlimited number of scholarships available for Governor’s Scholars.
Midway College offers up to $4,000 per year to Governor's Scholars, as admitted incoming freshman.  Scholarship is renewable and is offered in addition to other merit aid the student may otherwise receive.  The scholarship is only available for full-time enrollment during the fall and spring semester.
Morehead State University offers a full tuition [$30,000 over four years] to all Governor's Scholars who apply for admission by March 15. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must submit a completed application packet, including admission application form, transcripts and test scores, by the March 15 priority application deadline. Be admitted to MSU for the academic year as a new incoming freshman or transfer student with fewer than 30 hours and meet all of following requirements: 1. Be a legal resident of Kentucky; and 2. Be an alumnus of the Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program (GSP) or Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts (GSA); and 3. Have at least a 3.5 unweighted high school GPA; and 4. Achieve a minimum 25 ACT composite score (1130 SAT composite verbal + math) . This scholarship cannot be awarded in addition to another academic achievement scholarship.

12. Scholarships, Continued…
Murray State University offers Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program and Governor's School for the Arts alumni a renewable full tuition GSP/GSA scholarship if they have at least a 25 ACT composite score and a 3.5 cumulative GPA.  GSP/GSA alumni who have below a 25 ACT but at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA are eligible to receive a renewable GSP/GSA scholarship for $1000 per year. In addition, there will be six competitive full tuition scholarships for GSA alumni not meeting the 25 ACT and 3.5 GPA requirements. These GSP/GSA scholarships are awarded for four years (amount to be split in half for eight consecutive semesters) or until the first Bachelor’s degree is obtained, whichever occurs first, and require a cumulative GPA to renew the scholarship. GSP/GSA scholarships cannot be combined with MSU’s Academic Achievement Scholarship or CHA scholarships. In order to qualify for any scholarships at Murray State, students must complete and meet the appropriate admission and scholarship processes and deadlines.
Northern Kentucky University awards full in-state tuition scholarships to Governor’s Scholars with 3.0 GPA and an ACT Composite score of 24 or higher, or SAT score of 1090 or higher. Scholarships are renewable for one academic year with maintenance of cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and completion of 24 credit hours during the prior academic year. After completion of 24 credit hours the scholarship is renewable for two academic years with maintenance of cumulative GPA of and completion of 24 credit hours during prior academic year. This scholarship is only available to incoming freshmen.
Spalding University offers renewable academic merit awards to Governor's Scholars alumni ranging from $5,000 - $12,000 per year.  Candidates must have a minimum composite ACT of 20 or SAT 950 and a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.  Merit awards for incoming freshmen are for undergraduate study and renewable for up to four years provided the student maintains a GPA of at least 3.0 and full-time student status.
Thomas More College offers a waiver of the cost of a traditional residence hall room for up to eight semesters to all Governor's Scholars. There is no minimum ACT or SAT score required and application for Thomas More College serves as an application for this scholarship. Governor's Scholars may also apply for a Chancellor Scholarship. Students should submit a copy of their Governor's Scholars application requesting consideration for the Chancellor Scholarship along with a completed Application for Admission and Scholarship by February 15.
Transylvania University offers a guaranteed minimum of $14,000 per year for Governor’s Scholars. Students who qualify for more scholarships and grant aid will receive the large amount.
Union College Governor’s Scholars can apply for this full tuition scholarship. Candidates must earn a 24 or better ACT or SAT equivalent and have a 3.0 or higher GPA. A FAFSA form is required.
University of the Cumberlands Governor's Scholars with a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA and a 32 or higher on the ACT (1420 on the SAT) are eligible for the Presidential Scholarship of $22,000 per year ($15,400 for commuter students).  Scholars with a GPA of 3.4 or higher and at least a 24 on the ACT (1110 or above on the SAT) are eligible for the renewable Dean's Scholarship of $15,000 per year ($11,000 for commuter students).  

13. Scholarships, Continued….
University of Kentucky is pleased to provide the following scholarship opportunities to students that complete the Governor's Scholars Program:  The GSP Presidential Scholarship will be offered to GSP students that have a 3.50 unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale, and a minimum 31 ACT or 1420 SAT* (M+EBRW).  All other GSP students will receive a GSP Provost Scholarship.  Students must apply and have qualifying scores on file by January 15, 2016.  Therefore, the December test is the final time students may take the ACT or SAT for scholarship consideration.  If you have any additional questions, please reference the information available online on UK's website:   gspgsa-information.
University of Louisville offers the Governor's Scholars Award, which is part of the Trustees' Scholarship program for incoming freshmen. Students are eligible to receive only one scholarship from the Trustees' Scholarship Program. Students must have completed the Governor's Scholars Program and must be a Kentucky high school graduate. All required documents for admission must be submitted by scholarship deadline of January 15. This scholarship program is for entering college freshmen only. Scholarships are awarded based on the following criteria: 28 ACT/1250 SAT (CR + M) and high school cumulative GPA of are awarded a full-tuition, renewable; 25 ACT/1130 SAT (CR + M) and high school cumulative GPA of 3.35 are awarded $2,500, renewable. Students must apply separately for the Grawemeyer and Hallmark Scholarships.
University of Pikeville offers academic scholarships based on academic merit.  Governor's Scholars and Governor's School for the Arts alumni will receive an additional $3,000 GSP/GSA scholarship.  Scholarships are renewable with maintenance of cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and completion of 24 credit hours during the prior academic year.
Western Kentucky University offers merit awards for students with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA and 25 ACT/1130 SAT, ranging from $1,500 to $8,000 per year.  Students with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA (no ACT/SAT requirement) who complete the Governor’s Scholars Program, are eligible to receive a $1,500 annual award (this may be in addition to an Academic Merit award).  To qualify for an Academic Merit award and the Governor’s Scholars Program award, students should apply for admission by January 15 of their senior year.  Students with a minimum 3.8 unweighted GPA and 31 ACT/1360 SAT that apply by December 1 of their senior year will be invited to compete for WKU’s most prestigious award, the Cherry Presidential Scholarship.  If selected as a Cherry Presidential recipient or finalist, the award will replace any previously awarded Academic Merit award (however the $1,500 Governor’s Scholars Program bonus award will still apply).  Students are eligible to receive merit awards up to the cost of attendance for the fall and spring semesters.  Information on these awards and additional scholarship opportunities available at  

14. 2015 Governor's Scholars Survey Responses The following data represents survey responses from 2014 Governor’s Scholars who graduated high school in 2015:
Total number of 2014 scholars:            1,104
Total number of survey responses:       612 or 55.4%
These 612 scholars received in total scholarships: $42,519,855
          Average scholarship (per scholar): $69,476
516 scholars (84.3% of respondents) are attending Kentucky colleges or universities. $34,887,840
Total in-state 4-year scholarships: $34,887,840
Average in-state 4-year scholarship (per scholar): $67,612

15. Survey responses, continued…
96 scholars (15.7% of respondents) are attending out-of-state colleges or universities.
Total out-of-state 4-year scholarships:
$7,632,014
Average out-of-state 4-year scholarship (per scholar):
$79,500
The first class of scholars from whom the Governor's Scholars Program requested scholarship information completed the Program in the summer of 2004 and enrolled in college in the fall of 2005.  Approximately half of the scholars from the ten classes since 2004 have provided data for the Program's use.
Those scholars have accepted an astounding $386,329,812 in merit-based funding.

16. How to Apply
Applications may be picked up in the school guidance office in late September or downloaded from our website.  Homeschools should contact the GSP Office to receive a Homeschool application packet.
Before reaching the statewide competition, each student must first submit his or her application through his or her school and participate in the school and/or district level competitions.  Due Date to SHS guidance office is December 2, 2016.
Only those students selected as candidates and sent on by their district (or unaffiliated private school) may compete in the statewide selection process. 
The number of candidates each district may submit to the statewide process is based on the district-wide junior class enrollment. Approximately 2,000 applications are received at the state level each year, with approximately 1,060 students selected to attend.

17. Selection Process First, at SHS Next, to Frankfort
Once they arrive in Frankfort for the state level competition, the applications are divided into eight distinct sections. 
The first section, which contains all of the student’s biographical information, is filed separately and tied to the rest of the sections only through the "journal number" that is used to identify each applicant.  This allows each application to be read blindly, without any regard to the student's personal information, and ensures fairness in the selection process. 
The remaining seven sections are divided among the members of the Statewide Selection Committee, a panel consisting of college admission personnel, college and high school teachers, and education leaders from different areas of the state.  Each committee member reads and scores only one of the seven different sections.
The selection process for the Governor’s Scholars Program is multi-tiered.
Students compete first at the school and/or district level.
At each level of the competition, some applicants may be eliminated.
Those students selected at the district level are sent on to the state level for the final competition.

18. Academic Achievement (30 points)
Consists of ACT, PSAT, or SAT test score, grade point average, and difficulty of course load.
The Academic Achievement Section is awarded points based on the following chart (see next slide):

20. Student Profile (30 Points)
The three sections of the Student Profile are ranked by three selection committee teams. It may be necessary to list duplicate information in these sections to garner maximum points.  For example, if the student is Captain of the Basketball Team, the information will be listed as an Extracurricular Activity for participation and also as a Honor/Award for being named the Captain.
Student Profile – Extracurricular Activities This section is scored by multiple selection committee members.  The scores are then averaged for a final score for this section.
Student Profile – Service – Voluntary or Paid This section is scored by multiple selection committee members.  The scores are then averaged for a final score for this section.
Student Profile – Honors and Awards This section is scored by multiple selection committee members.  The scores are then averaged for a final score for this section.

21. Teacher Recommendation (10 Points)
This must be completed by a teacher who has had the student in class for a core academic subject in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. 
This section is scored by multiple selection committee members. The scores are then averaged for a final score for this section.

22. Community Recommendation (10 Points)
This must be completed by a member of the community in a role not associated with the applicant's school.
The recommender may not be a member of the applicant's immediate family. This section is scored by multiple selection committee members. The scores are then averaged for a final score for this section.   
The scores for the seven sections are totaled to determine each applicant’s final score, out of 100 possible points.

23. Writing Entry – 500 Words (20 points)
Selection committee members, trained in using the Kentucky Holistic Scoring Guide, rank the submitted writing entries in six categories.

24. Just how competitive is GSP?
Average GPA of students accepted: 3.97
Average ACT score: 28
Highest score ever on a GSP application: 86
Average female score in 2016: 72
Average male score in 2016: 70
Note: If fewer females apply, at moment of selection a male can be selected over a female even if she has a higher score. This is due to number of contracted male/female beds at each campus.
For counties are eligible students per campus counties per campus.

25. Important Dates December 2, 2016 January 11, 2017 April 12, 2017
Complete applications must be turned in by 3:05 to guidance office.
January 11, 2017
Last day to mail notifications & completed applications to GSP.
April 12, 2017
Last day for GSP to mail notifications to students of their status: Accepted, Alternate, or Not Accepted.
May 1, 2017
Last day for students to accept or decline their appointments.
Last day for Scholars to request a specific session because they have major scheduling conflicts. Requests for session assignments will not be honored if submitted after this date.
January 11, 2017
Last day to mail notifications & completed applications to GSP.
May 19, 2017
Latest date for Governor’s Scholars Program to mail notification to Scholars of campus and focus area assignments

26. Helpful Hints
Remember: The application is not right or wrong. It is how you apply.
The best and brightest follow instructions!
Remember who your audience is. It might be unique to you but is also “unique” to 500 other applicants. Think about what is unique to you and NO one else. Example: Lots of people tear their ACL and have a variety of experiences due to the injury. This is not unique.
Think of something that is both unique to you and answers the question being asked.
Also, do NOT put inaccurate information in your essay: For example, don’t make reference in your essay to someone as living or deceased unless you know 100% they are still alive/deceased.

27. If you have done it, SAY IT! This is not the time to be humble.
Talk to our former GSP scholars. They have a wealth of knowledge.
Be sure to put down choices such as Drama, Literary studies, Visual Arts, or Chinese studies as one of your 3 choices. Why? Though this has no bearing if you are accepted first round, if you are an alternate this can be the difference in getting called or not.
GSP Program is based on merit, NOT on political influence.
However, IF you did not get accepted and were an alternate or not accepted and believe your application was not scored correctly, your principal or someone else can call and ask the GSP committee in Frankfort take another look at your application. In some cases, they will look at it again.

28. The point group is usually the alternate group and they could have scored higher many times simply be explaining better.
One point can make a BIG difference in the end results.
In your student profile, remember:
Time (anything that takes up your time in high school should be mentioned and described in detail. Who, what, where, when, …details, details, details!
Put in multiple sections if needed. DUPLICATE entries if they cross multiple sections. REMEMBER: scorers do NOT see the same sections, so they have no idea you’ve already mentioned something on another section. For example, an extracurricular activity may also be a service and/or honor.
Again, one extra description can give one more point over another applicant.

29. This year’s application will no longer feature specific examples for each of the extracurricular activities, service, honors/awards. You can go to the “Helpful Hints: Best Practices & Important Information” document at :
For the service portion of your application:
Use good verbiage such as, “I…led, organized, created, etc…”
If you’ve had one BIG service project for a long period of time, explain everything about it (how does this make you a leader, strong member of community, grow as an individual)?
If you have participated in a paid service (For example, a cashier) you can talk about how it has helped build character, or maybe how it has helped you family.

30. Examples of honors/awards:
As a member of a team
Extracurricular activity
Fundraising would be a service to others
Captain of team would be an honor
Peer Tutor
Extracurricular activity
Service (helping others)
If chosen by a principal or teacher, this is an honor
Remember, ANYTHING that you have been selected/chosen for among many others because of your merit is an honor!
Don’t forget, be as descriptive as possible

31. Teacher Recommendations
Core content subject(s) are best
Choose two teachers & pick the best
Make SURE your teachers know what this program is about. It is NOT a college application recommendation letter.
Give your teachers at LEAST one month and provide examples
PLEASE ask you teacher to make yours “unique”. In other words, you don’t want a cookie cutter recommendation.
The focus of your recommendation should be about you as a student.
More nouns, less adjectives
The recommendation should make you stand out – be unique. For example, if the teacher can tell a story about you giving an example of how they know you as a student this sticks out in the scorer’s mind.
Scorers will look for incongruences in your scores and your teacher recommendations. Example, if you scored a 5 on creativity but in recommendation it says you lack creativity, this is not good!

32. Community Recommendation
Ask community members at least a month ahead of time
Make sure they understand what GSP is about
Give the community member an idea of your accomplishments, honors, etc… (providing a resume is helpful)
An elected official will not do you any favors if they don’t know you well
Must have an individual that can write a GOOD letter of character.

33. Writing Entry Tips (what scorers are looking for):
What is this person like?
Who is this person (not how many big words they can use)
Is this the type of person that will benefit from GSP?
Vignettes about you (i.e. make them “see” you in their minds as a person
What is your personality? This should shine through in your writing. Be sure you know what you are talking about if you choose a character. Don’t say, “Are you familiar with?”
Grammar/writing should flow
If after 250 works they have to go back and re-read to check where they are going, it is NOT good.
Don’t single space…you’ll lose points (read directions)

34. Remember: GSP looks for well-rounded individuals
Quantity
Quality
Diverse approach
Pace/Frequency
Versatility

35. Remember that Scholars cannot be absent during the program for any reason except emergency, illness, or similar overriding personal reason.

36. FAQ’s
Expect/FAQs.aspx

37. GSP website for more information