With the application process beginning for the 8th graders, the current IRFs would like to give some advice to anyone who is getting ready to apply to the program

1. Be Honest!!!

-whether you’re answering questions in the interview or on the application, answer as honestly as possible. Don’t try to fake it.  Do not try and provide the “right” answer because there is not one.  Just answer thoughtfully and be ready to justify/back up that answer.

2. You don’t have to be an IR expert.

-Most of us were not experts on the Arab Spring or North Korea when we were in 8th grade, so don’t feel like you need to be. By simply watching the news a few times a week you will become more knowledgeable about the world and that is a great place to start.

3. Take your time on the essays

-The essays are very important to the application process. Simple things like cutting out typos and grammatical errors go a long way in helping you become a fellow. So take your time and revise, revise, revise!!

4. Recommendations

-Ask for recommendations from teachers whose class you do well in and also who you have a good relationship. Teachers who really know who you are as a student and individual write the best recommendations.

5. The interviewers (Dr. Rezelman, Mr. McMahon, and Mr. Wetmore) want you to do well!!

-Don’t be intimidated. Everyone gets nervous during the interview but remember that the interviewers hope you do well. If you are still very nervous, try asking Dr. Rezelman about otters. That will definitely help break the ice.

6. If you have questions, ask one of us!

-Don’t be afraid to approach any fellow to ask them for advice. We all would be more than happy to give you some tips or talk about our own application process. Also, it might just impress the directors to ask one of them about the fellows program (wink wink).

Best of luck with the application process!

-Nico Moscoso ’17