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The Scholar

The TVClubHouse: Other Reality Shows ARCHIVES: Archives for 2005 - 4: The Scholar users admin

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Archive through June 07, 2005Native_texan25 06-07-05  2:57 pm
Archive through June 21, 2005Fruitbat25 06-21-05  7:26 am
Archive through June 29, 2005Jan25 06-29-05  11:56 am
Archive through July 12, 2005Scout25 07-12-05  6:46 am
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Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 6:58 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
The next week promo made it look like the Scholarship committee would be choosing the winner....but the ABC website says "One last showdown stands between the students and the grand prize! In the season finale, the finalists battle it out for a full ride to the college of their dreams." So I'm not sure how it will be handled. I'd rather see the challenge determine the winner than the judges.

Scout, I hadn't even thought about that with the judges criticizing Davis for his confidence, but criticizing Jeremy for not having confidence. Good observation! I guess they are just looking for some very specific level of confidence! I really wanted to see Jeremy make the finals. (My brother's named Jeremy, so there was some bias on my part). Of the finalists, I think I'd most like to see Scott win. They all seem deserving, but he just seems to need the money more than the others. Not that I think that should be a deciding factor, it is just my personal reason for pulling for him.

Lilfair
Member

07-09-2003

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 8:01 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I'll amend my Davis comment that… according to the way Davis is edited… he seems to me, to be cocky and not taking credit for both his loses like a big boy would. Part of taking tests is to hear and understand the question correctly. Davis seemed to have had a brain fart and didn’t answer the question asked.

According to the editing not many of his teammates wanted him to win and the committee according to the editing doesn’t appear to care for Davis either.


Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 8:02 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
i know they were trying to make it as if it were like a real selection committee - where colleges do have hundreds and thousands of qualified kids who deserve to go there and they have to really nitpick to see who may be just a bit more deserving than the others to get in - but i agree that it would be nice to be based on merit - the only thing is college is not ONLY about book smarts and so how can we have a showdown that tests all of the traits they are looking for.



Lilfair
Member

07-09-2003

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 8:29 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I think the showdown gives the committee a chance to pick 2 additional people besides the winning team captain that they think have the other skills or qualifications that they are looking for.

None of the showdowns have been very difficult. Most high school seniors or Jr's should do well in those quizzes.

My niece was accepted with loads of scholarship monies to both Harvard and Brandeis. She was specifically told that it was not solely based on her outstanding academic record but on her interviews and community involvement and her personality. She'll be a sophomore at Brandeis next fall.

Although without an outstanding accademic record neither of these schools would have given her a second look, no matter what a fantastic young lady she is.

Scout
Member

01-20-2005

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 8:34 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
It's true that the Ivy League schools base their admissions on a lot more than just book smarts, but the majority of colleges in our areas rely more on class rank and ACT or SAT scores, and don't require the interviews at all.

The problem I have with the judges is that they seem to make allowances for some people, but not for others. In her first interview, Melissa was so nervous that she was crying, but they saw her potential. It's obvious, now, that she does live up to that, but who's to say that all these kids given that extra boost of confidence at the beginning, wouldn't have been the same way? I know that's the same problems that the admissions committees face at colleges that interview, but I see the same problem there. Who knows how many kids they're denying that may not come across well at an interview, but have incredibly original ideas and when they've matured, are equal or better than some of the kids who interview well?

I don't understand how colleges make their decisions based on who is "most deserving" anyway. It's so arbitrary. It's just a shame that an Ivy League type of education can't be available for every student who is willing to work hard and who really wants it.

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 8:45 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
part of me wish all colleges had interviews because i know from my own experience that my GPA had absolutely no reflection on my intelligence or abilities (besides a reflection of not trying) and yet that was the one thing that kept me out of the schools i would have wanted to go to most - but i know the other factors could have gotten me in if i had the chance to interview at somewhere like Chapel Hill - i think face to face interviews can have a great advantage to some - while probably hurting others who dont come across well so it is a fine line in a way.


Kittystj
Member

08-10-2001

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 9:49 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Personally I wanted Davis to win. He is extremely smart and agree they tended to not favor him in the editing.
Also, he wishes one day to be President. I saw he had Kerry Edwards stickers on his car. Made me root for him more.
I also liked the fact that the kids were all broad minded as to same sex marriage.


Ladytex
Member

09-27-2001

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 11:42 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I was so happy to see Amari get that last slot. She has come a long way since the first episode. I'm torn between wanting her or Melissa to win it all. Melissa's story is awesome. That kid has heart and determination, that's for sure. I actually don't think any of these kids will go without. I think they will have had enough press, and I'm sure there will be talk about them, that I think all of them will be getting money to go to school.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 6:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Or the little cancer cure girl would be good - Milana?

Aus10
Member

09-28-2000

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 9:46 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Welcome to the world of college admissions. I'm so glad we're done with it. Each kid is given a numerical score during their interview. This will just give you an idea of how truly (as Scout pointed out) arbitrary it is. This is just three case studies I'm aware of:

Lilly attends a medium size public high school and has not yet decided on a major. She ranks number 2 in her class and has outstanding test scores: 1590 on the SAT I, and four 800s on the SAT II exams. Her extra-curricular profile is considered solid in the Yale applicant pool. In addition to playing saxophone in several groups, she is a serious poet, and has been published in two anthologies of some note. Lilly is also editor of her school’s literary magazine. Her essays seem average in our pool. Teachers have nothing but high praise for Lilly, saying that she “stands out for her brilliance” and “is the finest student in my thirty year career.” The ASC member rated Lilly a “4,” pointing out some rather poor social skills. Lilly arrived late for the interview without offering an apology, and the interviewer gave specific examples of how Lilly appeared boast-ful and overly selfconfident. The ASC member noted that although Lilly came across as an intellectual, she was rude and unpleasant. The Admissions Committee was extremely concerned about the ASC member’s observations and worried whether Lilly would be a positive member of the residential college community at Yale. The Committee voted to deny Lilly admission.

** Benjamin has a 3.9 GPA in a curriculum of moderate rigor at a public magnet school. He has scored a 1540 on his SAT, and all three of his SAT II exams are between 720 and 780. He scored a 33, out of a possible 36, on his ACT. Benjamin is captain of the varsity basketball squad; treasurer for the student council; and has committed over 100 hours of community service. His essays are descriptive but lack depth, and the committee notes that there is
little of Ben’s personal voice in them. Recommendations speak to his character and note that his “smile lights up a classroom.” They intimate that he is exceptionally well liked by his peers and the faculty, though there is little mention of his academic interests or promise. The ASC report indicates that the interviewer was particularly impressed with Ben’s commitment to the
basketball team and says that this particular subject was the main focus of their conversation. It is clear that Ben has “a genuine love of the sport” and that “his teammates respect him greatly.” Though the ASC rates Ben a “9” and notes that Ben was “easy to talk to” and “impressively well-rounded,” there is not substantial evidence in her report to support this reader rating. The text of the ASC report is helpful in that it confirmed Ben’s warm character, but based on the substance of their dialogue and the warm
impression their conversation left in the interviewer’s mind, it might have been better scored a “6” rating. Ben has consistent and appealing personal character traits, and warm support from the school. However, in our competitive pool with only average academic rigor in his transcript, his charisma and well-roundedness are not enough to distinguish him. Ben was not offered admission.


** Gavin has taken the most rigorous classes that his school has to offer and earned a 96 average, placing him near the top of his class at a strong private school. Additionally, he has achieved a combined score of 1580 on his SAT and marks between 760 and 800 on each of his SAT II subject exams. He works as an Assistant Editor with the Yearbook; is Co-Captain of the competitive Quiz Bowl team; and has some scattered involvement volunteering through his church and with a few other school clubs and organizations. His essays about the Quiz Bowl team and his grandfather are well constructed, but reveal very little depth of thought. His recommendations laud his passion for learning, his focus and his thorough work in every endeavor. One teacher calls him, “among the most intelligent students I’ve ever had,” and both refer implicitly to his ‘quiet leadership.’ The ASC report shares that the conversation was, “well below the level of most of my 15-20 interviews” over a number of years. “Though Gavin indulged direct questions with direct answers, there was little excitement or passion expressed about any current or future interests.” While acknowledging that nerves might have accounted for some of the candidate’s social awkwardness, the interviewer cites a number of efforts to engage Gavin in different arenas that resulted in little depth or elaboration. Aside from Gavin’s strong academic credentials, nothing else in his application separates him from the bulk of our applicant pool. The ASC report is helpful in this case because it confirms the area admissions officer’s conclusion that Gavin is not a strong candidate for Yale.

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 2:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I was disappointed that Jeremey didn't get to showdown, relieved that Davis didn't win it but sorry it was based on a brainfart when he clearly knew his material, and certainly happy for Amari.. of the three in the showdown I was behind her.

I hope Melissa wins, but all are worthy of winning.

I think the committee is asking each of them to round out their attributes, thus it makes sense that they tell Davis he is overconfident and at the same time want Jeremy and others to be more confident.

Sure it could be editing but I don't think that could make most of the other students be so negative about him.. it seems like several of them have stated they could live with anyone buy him winning.



Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Monday, July 18, 2005 - 6:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
>>

M E L I S S A won !!

This has been one of the best, most worthwhile reality shows.

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Monday, July 18, 2005 - 7:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
i am so thrilled - she was the one i liked the most even though i liked all of them - and then she was the first in the finals - and could have made the showdown again the following week if not already in the finals... there was just something about melissa that i really liked and really wanted her to win it all.

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Monday, July 18, 2005 - 7:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Damn...that showed up big in new messages :-(

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 12:37 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I'm very very happy about this. She was just a shining star in a group of stars. There isn't a dud among them

Now I need to find Jeremy's last name so I can write a letter to the editor about him since he's local here. I'm so proud of him and all of these wonderful young people

I would so hope to see a followup show on them all.

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 1:07 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Yay.. Here's my letter to the editor about Jeremy Tran

I've just finished watching the final episode of a reality tv show: The Scholar, which pitted
10 accomplished young people against each other for a full ride scholarship to college. I've watched for weeks and of course had high hopes for the "local boy" from Westminster, Jeremy Tran.

Well, Jeremy didn't make the top 5, but I'm so proud of my "neighbor" to the north, because he's quite a star academically as well as being a bright and engaging young man. He was chosen to speak for one of the three finalists and did an outstanding job in tonight's show.

I'd be surprised if he (and the other non-scholarship winners from the program) didn't receive substantial scholarship money from other sources. These young people give me real hope for this world

Lynn Duncan


I was impressed with all three of the finalists and the advocates as well.

And as I said in my letter, I cannot imagine that all ten won't have more scholarship money coming their way.

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 1:08 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Legal, I agree.. Melissa was very special and I can't imagine that she wouldn't have won more rounds had it been set up that way. She continued to shine.

Cdbga
Member

10-04-2004

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 5:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I think Melissa was a great choice. I was also so glad to see that all the kids got scholarships and will be able to attend the colleges of their choosing.

Ladytex
Member

09-27-2001

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 6:20 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Sea, they said at the end that they all got enough financial aid to attend the college of their choice.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 2:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Did anybody else cry just about all the way through last night's show? Or am I just going batty?

I meant to come to the internet and look up Melissa's college. I am not familiar with it. And now I have forgotten the name. It started with a P. P-something College. Does anybody else remember it?

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 2:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Juju, I think it was Pomona College.

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 2:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
http://www.pomona.edu/

Small classes, top-notch facilities and distinguished professors who work closely with students are key elements of a Pomona education. Established in 1887, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the premier liberal arts colleges in America.
The college is located in Claremont, California, a charming town 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Pomona is the founding member of The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of seven independent institutions blending the intimate atmosphere of small colleges with the academic and social resources of a university. Famous beaches, ski resorts and Los Angeles' many cultural offerings all are within easy driving distance of the campus

i applied to one of the claremont colleges back in 1993 - they are so endearing even all the way from the east coast

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 2:38 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
A former colleague works at Pomona. Still lives in LA, of course.

I honestly didn't get why two of them wanted to go to Columbia, to be perfectly truthful. Granted it's a good school, but dang. Freshman at Penn always complained about Penn's neighborhood (which isn't really that bad at all), but Columbia can be a rough place. Not that the university makes it any better, mind you, with all the walls they set up....

Needmylifeback
Member

08-14-2000

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 3:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I grew up in Claremont...my H.S. Graduation was on Pomona College field (we didn't have a football stadium then.) I didn't realize that was the college she wanted to go to (I would have cheered harder for her!) - The entire Claremont Colleges Campus's are beautiful!!!!! My parents just sold their home of 52 years just a couple miles west of the campus. .... (Downtown Claremont is just blocks away with wonderful little restaruants! ... Espio's is a favorite of mine with their salad and chips and salsa!!!! ) My Grandfather was the original owner of Everett's Shoe Shop that is still there on Yale Ave.!

Rosie
Member

11-12-2003

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 3:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Claremont colleges do have a beautiful setting -- lots of trees.

Need, do you remember Walters? Had breakfast there a month or so ago.

Needmylifeback
Member

08-14-2000

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 3:36 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I guess I should add that I didn't see the end of the show .. due to the fact that we had major storm warnings and the news had broken into the program ... so I only saw that she won!

Curious1
Member

08-31-2002

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 4:52 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I was thrilled to see that all of the students on the show are going to recieve enough money through scholarships, financial aid and grants to attend the college of their choice. They all made out well and I'm very happy for each one of them!

P.S. I cried throughout most of the show too! :-)

Roteach
Member

06-01-2003

Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 10:25 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh crap! I got this far watching and forgot to watch the finals! How could I have done that? I am glad that Melissa won. What was I watching? Dang, couldn't have been anything memorable.

Needmylifeback
Member

08-14-2000

Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 12:35 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Walters was a favorite of my Grandparents! ... That place has been there forever! (as long as I can remember!) .. Also the Village Grille...

Walters has wonderful soup! (Perfect in the Winter!) ....

Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Friday, July 22, 2005 - 9:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
It is a lovely area and certainly the colleges are all prestigious. Must be hothothot up there these days.

My letter was published and they even added a nice picture of Jeremey :-)

Thanks, Ladytex! I had no doubt that they'd all get lots of scholarship money. Someone at Curves said why bother to do the show? My answer was why not do a show that features some of the positive kids since there are so many featuring the party kids?

I'd certainly rather spend time with some of the young adult children of some TVCHers I've met (eg., Ladytex's children or Eggie's) than most of the Real Worlders.

I'd love to see a followup show!

And of course going through this process seemed to be helpful to all of them and look at how several came into their own, like Amari.. actually I think she was very much into her own, but at first wasn't displaying it to their satisfaction and she wasn't alone there!

Legalboxer
Member

11-17-2003

Friday, July 22, 2005 - 10:33 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
i do think the show is VERY important because there is still such a divide between those who assume going to college is a no brainer and others who never even think about college as an option - and how many assume that everyone thinks the same way as they do - only 1/3 of my class went to any form of higher education after high school and that is just wrong because i know many more had the capability to further their education and so i think shows like this show kids (and parents) that kids can go to college - from different backgrounds, and how its ok to want to go - it shouldnt be a stigma in certain communities to want to learn and hopefully teh show inspired at least one person to want to achieve more.


Seamonkey
Member

09-07-2000

Friday, July 22, 2005 - 11:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Wow, Legal! I agree, just what you see around you can make a difference and certainly does for teens. At my HS it was pretty much assumed that most of us would go on beyond HS and, in fact, it was something like 95% at that time (including what was then called junior college, now community college). It WAS a pretty heterogeneous group at that time (Newport Beach) but still there was just an atmosphere. So many kids lugged around free reading books in addition to textbooks, the AFS group had a great little paperback bookstore on campus.

Anyway, good show, even if it wasn't so highly rated.. our paper gleefully pointed out that The Scholar was being trounced in the ratings by the INXS show. This was a column ABOUT ratings, not that the paper was extolling this situation.