INTERVIEW (20 Points) 

Semifinalist and Finalist Judging. During the interview judges will evaluate the nominee's ability to answer questions pertaining to their category. Body language, technical knowledge, communication skills, and plans for continued education in the category will all be included in the interview point assessment.

Basic Information:

• Practice – at least 5 times, video tape yourself

•  Dress – Best dress

• Arrive early

• Do not even bring your phone!

•  Introduce yourself

• Shake hands - firmly

• Make eye contact

• Wait until they are seated until you sit down

• Act professional

• Answer questions with confidence

• Show enthusiasm

• Be authentic - do not use “pageant” answers.

• Be succinct

• If you don’t understand the question, ask them to repeat it, or explain further.

• Thank the interviewers when you are done.

Sample questions:

• Why do you think you should be chosen as the Sterling Scholar?

• What are your future goals?

• Explain what it means to be a good leader

• What service have you contributed to your community?

• Tell us about your extracurricular involvement in the (Social Sciences)?

• What AP tests have you taken, and what were the scores?

• Is there anything else you want to tell us that we have not asked?

• How will you use (this category) in the future?