FAQ

What are the requirements to be an Oaks Scholar?

– Maintain academic good standing
– Participate in all Oaks program requirements
– Complete the academic year long project
– Correspondence with program supporter/donor

What is the cost to students to be in the program?

There is no cost to students to be an Oaks Scholar. All program materials, workshops, and travel are paid for by the program.

Do you have to be in CALS to be an Oak Scholar?

No! While the program started in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), we have been fortunate to partner with the NCSU Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA) to expand the program to all NCSU undergraduate students.

I am a first (or second or third) year student, but I have more advanced academic standing (eg. a first year student with 2nd year standing), may I still apply?

Yes! As long as you have at least 1 full academic year left at NC State, you are eligible. 

What happens to my application after it is submitted?

The review & selection process for applicants is as follows: 

1. Each student’s application file is reviewed and scored by a minimum of three reviewers who might be current Scholars, program alumni, or steering committee members. 
2. That feedback is compiled, and the top scoring individuals are offered a slot during the interview/selection day.
3. If you are invited to interview, program alumni and campus faculty conduct finalist interviews on a single day during the spring semester. Each finalist is interviewed and individually scored, during multiple rounds, by multiple interviewers. For one interview session, finalists will participate in a mock cohort discussion session. In another, finalists will discuss potential project ideas. The compilation of scores from finalist interviews determines the students who are named the new class of Oaks Scholars.

May I miss all or part of Interview Day?

Yes. While we would prefer that you participate in the full interview day; we understand that schedules might now always accommodate that. Interviews can be arranged for an earlier time. The interview day date is published on the website when the application goes live, so please let us know as your earliest convenience if you have a conflict/potential conflict for that day. 

May I miss all or part of the Oaks Orientation if selected as an Oaks Scholar?

No. The orientation date is published at the time applications are open and students are encouraged to hold both Interview Day and Orientation in their calendars. The program orientation is a key part of setting you up for success for your Oaks year and beyond. All students must attend unless an emergency arises. 

What happens if I have a class on Fridays?

Unfortunately, sometimes schedule conflicts happen. If you are selected to the Scholars program, and have a required course that meets only at the same time as the cohort sessions, you will need to make arrangements with program faculty. It may not be a deal breaker, but each case is determined individually. 

May I apply if I am an international student?

Absolutely. The Oaks Scholars welcomes students of all backgrounds, nationality, ethnicity and orientation.

May I apply if I am already in another NC State scholars/fellows program?

Yes! We believe (and we have the evidence to support this) that our Oaks Scholars are the best students on campus. Because of that, many are engaged in other Scholars or Fellows programs. We are deeply grateful that we share these talented students with all parts of our campus community. We have worked closely in the past with other scholars/fellows program staff to best coordinate activities and growth opportunities for our students engaged in multiple programs. 

May I apply if I am a transfer student?

Any student with at least one year of matriculation ahead of them to complete a degree is welcome to apply.  

How many applicants do you receive a year?

A lot. It varies every year, but typically, about 100.

How many students make it to the interview process?

This also depends on the year, however, we usually only interview 20-25 students.

How fast will I know if I am selected?

We like to notify students within the week after the selection interviews.