Students and Faculty Offer Advice for Scholarship/Leadership Days

Student Advice: How to Make the Most of Scholarship/Leadership Days at Westminster

Scholarship/Leadership Days at Westminster is are on-campus events to qualify for our highest scholarship honors and awards, up to full tuition. Below, current students who have been through Westminster Scholarship/Leadership Day interviews share their advice for prospective students.

“Take advantage of the off time you have between interviews. Don’t be afraid to go up to other prospective or current students and start making connections. Also, go up to the representatives of the organizations you may be interested in. They will be impressed if you show your interest and enthusiasm in their organization.

Be creative with your answers. Most students are being asked the same questions, so don’t be afraid to respond with something that may not seem like a common answer. This will help you separate yourself! Also, if you do not know an answer to a question don’t freak out. Take your time, think about the question, and if you still don’t know an answer, no big deal, just ask to move on.”

— Kristen Warncke (Francis Howell Central, St. Peters, MO)

“Be an active listener, keep eye contact with your interviewer, pay attention to what they are saying, and interact with them as the conversation goes on.

As cheesy as it is to say, BE YOURSELF!! A relaxed and unique conversation is much more memorable than a rehearsed and average one. Personal stories are an easy way for someone to get to know part of your personality.

Have some fun. The faculty and staff at Westminster might be intimidating at first, but they like to laugh just like everyone else, so walk in with a smile on your face and be excited to talk to them.”

— Bailey Mitchell (Fulton High School, Fulton, MO)

“Share what you are interested in and passionate about. Don’t be so concerned with saying the “right” answer that you are not authentic. Be yourself. The interviewers want to get to know you during the conversion, so do your best to communicate who you are in the time you have with genuine and thoughtful responses and questions.”

— Courtney Gallagher (Barat Academy, St. Charles, MO)

Faculty Advice: How to Shine in Westminster Scholarship Interviews

Below, faculty offer advice for students who will be interviewing for scholarship dollars, up to full tuition. Good luck!

“Ask lots of questions. I think that most professors are interested in having a lively conversation during those interviews, and one way that a prospective student can impressively model his/her curiosity, enthusiasm, and maturity is by asking good questions. Those are the kinds of students that we want in our classrooms, and those are the students who tend to impress me the most on Scholarship Day!” — Heidi LaVine, PhD., Honors Program Director and Assistant Professor of English

“Talk about what unique talents or interests that you have that you were unable to communicate in your regular application. Also you should have questions.” — Sam Goodfellow, PhD, History Professor

“I have two pieces of advice for scholarship interviewees. First, be yourself. Second, try to read the college mission statement.” — Wayne Zade, MA, MFA, English Professor, Department Chair

“Like any good preparation for an interview, take advantage of looking at our website and professors’ profiles to do a little research before you come here.

You should also visit with the current students and organizations while you are on campus. Ask current students and representatives of different offices questions and learn more about the College. It will also put you at ease to visit a little and you will probably find some support for an otherwise somewhat stressful time.” — Meg Langland, Director of the Center for Career Development

Ready to take the next steps?

Apply to Westminster by February 15. Once you’ve been accepted, you’ll receive more info about signing up for Scholarship/Leadership Days. If you have any questions, call our office at 1-800-888-9266.