Guidance on applying for the Stokes NSA Scholarship

I've been exploring different scholarship options related to government or national security, and I stumbled upon the Stokes NSA Scholarship. I understand it's pretty competitive, but I think I could be a good fit. Could someone break down what they're looking for in applicants? Any advice on making my application shine would be hugely appreciated. Also, if anyone has gone through the process before, hearing about your experience would be really helpful, especially any tips for the interview process.

Sure, happy to help! The Stokes Scholarship Program, sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA), is indeed a highly competitive program. It's aimed at high school seniors planning to major in computer science or computer/electrical engineering.

To start with, the NSA is looking for academic excellence. The minimum GPA requirement for the Stokes program is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and a 25 on the ACT or 1200 on the SAT. However, you should strive for higher scores to make yourself more competitive.

Experience or demonstrated interest in your proposed field of study can be very beneficial. This could be through classes you've taken in high school, coding projects you've worked on, clubs you've participated in, or even competitions such as science fairs or CyberPatriot. If there's anything in your background that's relevant to computer science or engineering, be sure to highlight it.

For the application, you'll be asked to write a 600-1500 word narrative explaining why you're interested in your proposed field of study and how it's influenced your high school career. It's important to tell a clear, compelling story that describes your passion and commitment. Try to include specific experiences that have shaped your interests and aspirations.

Letters of recommendation can be very important, too. Aim for letters from people who can provide vivid, detailed descriptions of your relevant skills and achievements. If possible, it would be good to have at least one letter from someone who can comment on your technical abilities or related activities.

As for interviews, they are typically behavior-based, meaning they'll ask questions about your past experiences to predict your future performance. They'll want to hear about team projects you've worked on, your problem-solving skills, and your leadership experiences. Also, NSA security clearances require a polygraph test and extensive background check, so be prepared for questions related to your trustworthiness.

It's also worth noting that if you're awarded the Stokes Scholarship, you'll be required to work for the NSA during your summer breaks and after graduation for at least 1.5 times the length of study covered by the program.

Best of luck with your application! It could be an incredible opportunity.