Selection Results

RESULTS WILL BE SHARED VIA EMAIL
TUESDAY, MAY 13, at approximately 4:30 p.m.

A Message for All Who Applied

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who applied for selection in RioTV this year. We had more than 150 applicants for about 33 spots — which means the reality is this: most students who apply are not selected.

It takes real courage to apply for something competitive, and you should be proud of yourself. Whether or not you are ultimately selected, you’ve already shown leadership, creativity, and a willingness to step up, and that itself is pretty impressive. Every application was reviewed with care and intention, and we spent hours on these very difficult decisions.

What We Look For – Selection Criteria

Every applicant was reviewed using the same process and scoring system. This included:

• Completion and depth of application responses

• Participation in an interview (in-person or Zoom)

• Quality of video submission

• Teacher evaluations of character, collaboration, leadership, and dependability

• For current RioTV members: quality of work, leadership, and collaboration with others

We aim to build a balanced team, not just select the loudest voices or most polished performers, but those who could bring a variety of strengths to our program and to each other.

Frequently Asked Questions (usually from parents/guardians)

Q: My child did everything right. Why weren’t they selected?
With so many qualified applicants, even great students sometimes don’t make the final list. Think of RioTV like building a team — it’s about finding the right mix of skills, personalities, and strengths. Many students who weren’t selected had fantastic applications. Our process is all about trying our best to assemble a well-rounded team from a very large pool of well-qualified student applicants.

Q: Why didn’t you post a public list of students who were selected?
This year, I am choosing to notify students and families privately by email rather than posting a public list. With so many students applying—and so many more not being selected than accepted—I believe this is a more respectful and student-centered approach. Finding out you did or did not get into a program like RioTV is a personal moment. Sharing those results privately gives students and families the chance to process the news and preserves individual privacy. Students and their families are free to share their individual results as they see fit.

Q: Can we get feedback?
Due to the number of applicants, I am unable to offer individualized feedback.

Q: Was the process fair?
Yes. Every candidate was evaluated using the same application, teacher recommendation form, interview process, and scoring system. Whether or not they chose to take advantage of it, every candidate is offered the opportunity to create a Video Submission. Every candidate was also given the opportunity for an in-person interview, with a Zoom alternative for those unavailable on two different offerings of in-person Group Exercise Interviews.

Final Thought

If you applied to RioTV this year, you already showed courage, passion, and a desire to make your school better. That means something — and we hope you hold onto that feeling no matter what happens next.

Second Chance Application Process (August 2025)

Some students still want to be part of RioTV even after the initial selection process ends. For those students, we offer a Second Chance Application.

How Second Chance works:

• Applications will be available in Room B-5 on the second day of school

• This is a paper application — instructions are on paper and must be picked up in person

• Submit your completed application as soon as possible — spots are limited and will be filled quickly

• Due to the fast pace of the school year, our selection process will move quickly. Be sure to follow the instructions on the paper application carefully. Prepare for a possible in-person, individual or group activity, to be scheduled on that FIRST THURSDAY or FRIDAY of school.