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Selection Process

The Park Scholarships selection process is extremely selective. Last year, we received nearly 1,500 applications for approximately 45 awards.

The Park Scholarships has a three-stage selection process, the first two stages of which are conducted regionally. Two-thirds of the awards will go to NC residents, with the remainder of the awards given to residents of other states.

Application Review

The first stage of the selection process is a review of the candidate's dossier. We expect to review over 1,500 applications this year. Candidates who do not submit all required materials by November 1 are eliminated from further consideration. Candidates who submit all the required information are assigned to a Regional Selection Committee based on their high school address. Two committee members read each application and rate it on the selection criteria. Approximately one-fourth of the applicants will advance to the next stage. All applicants are notified of their status shortly before the winter holidays.

Semifinal Interviews

Semifinal interviews comprise the second stage of the selection process. Between 200-225 candidates are invited to interview with Regional Selection Committees. All NC candidates have in-person interviews. Typically, out-of-state candidates near Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C. are invited to in-person interviews; other out of-state candidates are interviewed by phone. There is usually a short information session for candidates prior to the interview. Two or three committee members interview each candidate for 20-30 minutes. All semifinalists are notified of their status by the end of January.

Final Selection Activities

The third stage of the selection process is on campus in Raleigh, NC in mid-February. NC State's Chancellor hosts a dinner on Friday evening. On Saturday, each candidate participates in two assessments: a group discussion activity and an interview with two or three faculty and alumni. Park Scholars are selected based on their performance in these two activities. The remainder of the day includes sessions for students to learn more about NC State and Park Scholarships, and to meet faculty and current Park Scholars. Required activities conclude before dinner. There is an optional parent information session on Saturday morning.

All finalists are notified by March 1. We maintain a list of alternate candidates in case awardees decline the Park Scholarship. Alternate candidates are contacted by the end of April.