From Houston to Colby College: My Story of Earning the Posse Foundation Scholarship

There are several sources that provide students with funding for college, like need-based aid determined by the FAFSA and/or CSS profile, merit aid directly from the admitting institution, and private sources. Private scholarships can range in amount and application requirements, but there are several national scholarships famous for their commitment to covering the entirety of a recipient’s tuition, and sometimes even the full cost of attendance. One of these full-tuition funds that holds a special place in my heart is the Posse Scholarship because, in the summer after 11^th grade, I was nominated for Posse and, after months of submitting materials and participating in interviews, I received a full-tuition scholarship to Colby College. The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits, and trains individuals with extraordinary leadership potential and, in groups of ten students, sends them to colleges and universities throughout the U.S. with the goal of persisting and graduating together as a “Posse”. Growing up in Houston, Colby was about as far away as I could be from home while still being in the U.S., so I was extremely grateful for the feeling of home my Posse provided. For the Posse Foundation to assemble a cohesive group of scholars, they had us engage with a unique selection process that I wish someone could’ve given me a sneak peek into. So, for those of you interested in Posse, here’s your sneak peek. Disclaimer: It’s been 12 years since I went through this process, so things may be a little different now. Phase 1: Nomination The Posse applicant pool is comprised of nominations from the Posse community and network. Community-based organizations, teachers, school counselors, and Posse alumni are a common source for nominations. Phase 2: Written Application Once notified of their nomination, students must complete a written application by answering short essay questions, providing biographical information, and attaching a transcript. Phase 3: Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP) - Group Interview Most candidates make it through the written application process to the first round of the DAP. This is where things get unique. DAP 1 is a group interview that lasts three to four hours, and I recall being in a room with around 100 other students. There were adults walking around with clipboards as we were facilitated through a series of collaborative activities. I vividly remember being tasked with building a Lego tower based off a model at the front of the room, and one by one, nominees had to go to the front of the room and return, able to communicate the construction steps of the tower to the rest of the team based on memory. The important thing to know about this challenge, and others throughout the interview, is that the goal isn’t to test the ability to build a Lego tower, nor how strong of a memory students have. Instead, candidates are evaluated on their ability to work as a team, communicate ideas, and demonstrate personal leadership styles.

Phase 4: DAP 2 - Solo Interview Applicants who advance to DAP 2 will interview solo with friends of Posse. These can be alumni, staff members, or other members of the Posse network. This is where applicants get to share about themselves in a more typical admissions interview format. Interviewers get a feel for academic interests, extracurricular involvement, goals for the future, and personal qualities. I was also given the opportunity to bring something meaningful to me to share with the interviewers; I chose to bring and play my bassoon. Going into DAP 2, you will be asked to rank your top three colleges out of the partner institutions (this will come up later). Phase 5: DAP 3 - Group Interview A substantial cut happens between DAP 2 and DAP 3, as only 20 applicants will be selected for the final round interview for each partner institution. In this interview, representatives from partner institutions and Posse staff observe applicants as they are led through activities. Things get a bit more personal in DAP 2 than in DAP 1, as applicants are encouraged to speak about their lived experiences, while the interviewers evaluate each student’s ability to communicate their thoughts and ideas to the group. After DAP 3, half of the finalists are offered the scholarship, creating a Posse of about 10 for each partner school. Phase 6: Selection and Training From there, my Posse of ten went through a unique training process from January of my senior year until we left for college together. We participated in bonding activities, embarked on workshops that encouraged our vulnerability and required us to lean on each other, and even went on a retreat in the woods, complete with trust exercises and a ropes course.   The DAP can be daunting, but Posse has developed a particular expertise in identifying the full spectrum of leadership potential in young people. Students do not need to be the loudest voice in the room to be successful in this process. They should show up authentically as themselves—but be brave. They must know when to step up, but perhaps even more importantly, when to step back and let other voices be heard. Posse values those with strong perspectives (regardless of what exactly those perspectives might be) who are not afraid to share them, solid communicators, and people who can work well with others from a diverse set of backgrounds. If that sounds like you, go secure that nomination!