Apply Grad School: Nominated for JYA Programme at Cambridge

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriateness of including a nomination for the JYA programme at Cambridge on a graduate school application or CV, particularly in light of the participant's inability to attend due to various reasons. The scope includes application strategies and considerations for presenting academic achievements.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the appropriateness of mentioning the nomination depends on the reasons for not attending and the comfort level in discussing those reasons during an interview.
  • Another participant advises that while referencing the nomination is possible, careful wording is necessary to maintain truthfulness, noting that the implications of being "nominated" can vary significantly based on context.
  • A further contribution indicates that if the nomination was merely an endorsement from the department, it may not be worth mentioning, whereas a selection by an independent committee would be more significant.
  • One participant emphasizes that if an actual scholarship offer was made and declined, it should be included, provided that the participant is transparent about the decline and has documentation to support it.
  • The original poster clarifies that the reasons for not attending included a lack of capacity for visiting students and potential deferment issues, seeking feedback on whether this justification is acceptable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of the nomination and how it should be presented. There is no consensus on whether it should be included in the application materials, as opinions vary based on the context of the nomination and the reasons for not attending.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of context in discussing nominations and awards, as well as the need for transparency regarding any declines of offers. The discussion does not resolve the nuances of how to present such information effectively.

Josh1079
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Hi,
I'm currently a final undergrad student and trying to apply for grad school. The thing is that on the application forms there is a section about "scholarships, prizes and distinctions" and last year I was nominated for the JYA programme at Cambridge by our university with a conditional scholarship offer. However, I wasn't able to actually go because of some reasons and hence didn't really get the scholarship.

So I'm wondering whether it is appropriate to add this on the list or on my CV?

Thanks!
 
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I guess it depends on what those reasons were and whether you would be comfortable discussing them in an interview.
Selection for programs is a good thing. Not attending or declining could be seen in a negative light.
 
You can reference it, but you have to be careful about how you word things. You have to be truthful.

Being "nominated" for something can have different connotations depending on the context. If it only means that someone in your department endorsed your application, it's probably not worth mentioning. If an independent committee selects you as a finalist for an award in a competition, this probably is worth noting. If you were actually offered the scholarship, but declined for personal reasons, then certainly you should include it. Just make sure you include mention that you declined the award, and that you have some documentation of the offer.
 
Thanks for the suggestions!

The main reason for not going was because they told me that they don't have enough capacity for visiting students, and I'm also facing a possible defer (for some lame general education credits) if go for the programme. Does this seem to be okay?
 

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