Selection Criteria for Hotchkiss Travel Programs

Applications to all travel programs will be reviewed by a selection committee in consultation with the program leaders.

What follows below are general guidelines; each program may have additional criteria that reflect the content of the program.

• The feedback form/s for successful applicants will contain support for their ability to benefit from, and contribute to the travel program.   

• Applications should articulate why the student may want to be a part of the program; specific components of the program that resonate with the applicant should be highlighted. Successful applications will reflect time, care, and thought.  

• Progress toward student competencies will also be taken into consideration in the evaluation of program applications. The student's development of these competencies will be determined from multiple sources, including, but not limited to, the advisor feedback form, class dean feedback, attendance history, and advisor and teacher comments in the applicant's record. 

• These competencies are: 

  • Self-Awareness: the ability to accurately recognize one’s emotions and thoughts and their influence on behavior;

  • Self-Management: the ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations;

  • Social Awareness and Cultural Competency: the ability to communicate, interact with, understand, and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures; to recognize and follow social and ethical norms for behavior; and to identify and use parent/guardian, school, and community resources and supports;

  • Relationship Skills: the ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups; and

  • Responsible Decision-Making: the ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on consideration of ethical standards, safety concerns, social norms, the realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and the well-being of self and others.

• Other indications of an applicant's standing in the community such as major school prizes and disciplinary history will also be considered.

• Students should be able to show their interest in the program through prior academic coursework, clubs and other extracurricular activities on or off-campus.

• Consideration will be given to those who have communicated with the program leaders directly about their interest in the program to which they are applying either by email, in person, or by attending informational meetings.

Please note that logistical considerations limit the number of students that can participate in specific programs. With that said, when there is a great deal of interest in a specific travel program, a student may still not be accepted even if s/he meets all the criteria mentioned above.

Please speak to David Thompson, Director of International Programs, for further information.

Hotchkiss does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, in any of its activities or operations.