Selecting Progams.  A student should be encouraged to apply to a Governor’s School because it aligns with personal interests and passions.  Applying to programs simply on the basis that they are closer to home, or are located on a favorite college campus, or are perceived as more prestigious or less competitive will not help an applicant convey readiness for the content of the program.  Look at the list of interest areas for each program before deciding on which to apply.

Do “Homework.” 

• Read the complete applications to understand what is required of the student.
• Direct the student to do some research on what the selection committee is looking for in an application. This website offers helpful hints (see link at left) for submitting appropriate applications.  The competitive selection criteria applied by the screening committee is also available on this website, found under each program page (see menu at left). 

Create a Timeline for Completion.  A Governor’s School application takes time.  In the case of the Governor’s School for the Arts, students must assemble work samples.  The other Governor’s Schools require essays, teacher references and a guidance counselor recommendation.  Remind the student not to leave this process to the last minute and not to expect teachers and counselors to be able to file appropriate forms without much lead time.  Set a goal for completing the process by the December holidays.  Students should enjoy the holidays without concerns about applications looming overhead.  The deadlines for four programs—the Arts, International Studies, the Sciences and Teaching—fall on Thursday, January 8, 2009.  The other four deadlines—Agricultural Sciences, Global Entrepreneurship, Health Care and Information, Society and Technology—fall on Thursday, February 5, 2009.  Deadlines are not waived for individuals for any reason.

Remember to sign the application!

Follow Up. 

• Encourage the student to ask a teacher or someone with expertise to glance over the application for form and appropriateness. 
• Make sure the student has made back up copies of work submitted—in the arts, keep copies of the narrative statements, creative writing manuscripts, lists of art or photography works, and audio and visual recordings.  
• In the case of the other programs, keep copies of the student’s essays and resume. 
• Encourage the student to stay in touch with the counselor to make sure that an application has been compiled completely and filed on time.