What you can do to increase your chances
of being admitted to YLX
Make your application easy to read:
Typing is becoming a thing of the past, we know. Nevertheless, if you can download the Microsoft Word version on this web site, complete it on a computer, and print your completed version, that would be the best. If you must handwrite it, use a blue or black erasable pen (never pencil!) and print unless your handwriting is VERY clear.
Answer the questions carefully and fully:
- A good idea is to read through the whole application before you begin to fill it out and to think through your answers before you start writing or typing.
- Answer all the questions using specifics. Don’t just list “Key Club” and stop. Say, “I am Key Club parliamentarian, and I have helped with car washes, food drives and toy collection,” or whatever.
- Answer all the questions. If you don’t have an answer, write NA (for "Not Applicable") or put a dash there. That way, those reading your application won’t think you’ve simply skipped some part of it. For instance, if you don’t have a work phone number, that space should have an NA or a dash.
- Do not use abbreviations or acronyms in your application. FCCLA, BPA, NHS, FCA, stuco…it’s all alphabet soup to most people over 25, or approximately half of the people scoring your application and interviewing you. Take the time and the space to spell out the groups you belong to; and consider a brief sentence or two telling us the purpose of those organizations. And, of course, never use “text-message-speak” in answering the questions.
- Tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Also, fill out your own application. Don’t ask mom or a friend to do it for you. In either instance, the risk of getting caught is high; and if it happens, it will be at a most embarrassing time.
Give some thought to your recommendation form:
A good rule of thumb is to ask only those people who have known you a year or more. The longer the better. But be sure they know YOU, not just your family. “I’ve known John’s parents for years. You should admit him to your program,” is nowhere near as ringing an endorsement as is, “John has been a member of the youth group I lead for six years. In that time he has proven to be funny, reliable, kind and inclusive.”
You probably know this, too: A recommendation from someone related to you will not be looked upon as objective. Those judging your application will feel your family wants what’s best for you and will try to help you get it. Ask someone whose motives can’t be suspect.
Finally, urge your recommender to be as thorough and specific as you are. Sentences are better than words and paragraphs are best.
If invited to do so, make your appointment for an interview during the time stated in your letter: Not before. Not after. And, for goodness sake, don’t cause us to call you. Sometimes invitation letters don’t get there. We know that. And we will always follow up with those we don’t hear from. If you never got the letter, we’ll move on from there, no problem. But if it appears you just forgot to call, or just blew it off, it will be a mark against you. It’s perfectly permissible to ask someone to call for you. But no matter who calls, be sure you or she is prepared to commit for the appointment time. Within reason, we will be flexible to fit your time needs.
Come to your interview nicely dressed:
That doesn’t mean prom dress. That doesn’t mean Gucci or Prada. It does mean neat and clean. Hair combed. Clothes without holes. Dress as you would when applying for a job in a professional office. We will be taking your picture. And if you’re admitted to one of our classes, that picture will go into our directory. You’ll want it to be a good one.
Your interview will not be a pop quiz.
We’ll talk more about the interview after you arrive, but it shouldn’t be a stressful thing at all. It is our chance to get to know one another better; so just relax and look upon it as a visit among friends. Really.
Your application represents who you are. That application coupled with your interview is your chances to make a good impression. We urge you not to miss those opportunities.
If you have any questions, please call or email the YLX office. For all of our contact information, click on the link “About Us” and then click “Contact Us”. We’d be happy to visit with you.