Scholarship Interview Advice: TD Canada Trust Scholarship for Community Leadership

Posted by
January 15, 2009

tdinterview

Although I am a recipient of the TD Scholarship, I have no experience on the judging committee, so please take my information or advice with a grain of salt. Oh, and good luck!

Dress Code

In general for interviews, I think anywhere from semi-formal to formal is fine. For my interview, I wore a dress shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes – no tie, no blazer. I honestly don’t think the judges really care about your attire as long as it’s presentable.

Pre-Interview

I believe you are asked to come to your interview for maybe half an hour or so before it’s actually your turn. You get to spend this time with a few past TD Scholars, and feel free to ask them questions and just have a nice relaxing chat. Hopefully the warm welcome will take your mind and nerves away from the situation.

In addition, you will receive an information sheet with a short biography of each of your judges. The judging panel includes Jane Thompson (Executive Director of the TD Scholarship program), a past TD scholar, and around three leaders from the community. The point of the biographies is just to give you a bit of background information on who you will be talking to. Don’t worry about memorizing the biographies, it’s not like you will be quizzed on them or anything! That being said, it’s some good information that you can use to maybe figure out how you can better relate and connect with them.

Inside the Interview

When you enter the interview room, I suggest going up to each judge, shake each of their hands, and get to know their names before sitting down – I think it’s important to know who you are talking to during the interview.

As far as questions, I think they were pretty simple. I found the TD interview process pretty relaxing and laid back. The judges seemed more concerned with just getting to know me than asking me really difficult or trappy questions.

Most of my questions were pretty basic – tell me about this from your application? Why did you start this? Oh, so it says here you are interested in studying neuroscience in university, why? It says here you are in a choir, tell me about that?

Conversely, I never got questions like: What are the most important qualities of a leader? What are your strengths or weaknesses? Nothing like that. All of the questions were just there to learn more about me as a person and the activities I’ve been involved in.

The most important thing is to answer honestly and be yourself. Sorry if that is cliche, but I think not being completely myself is what hurt me at my Loran interviews. During that process, I tried too hard to answer “correctly” instead of answering honestly, and that really messed me up. I think I prepared for a week for the Loran, whereas for the TD, I maybe prepared for maybe 15 minutes the day before, and just decided to walk in and speak honestly – and it worked!

For example, I’m pretty sarcastic as a person and I like to joke around, so I was sarcastic and made jokes when I felt like it in the interview – I didn’t force anything, I just spoke as I would normally speak to people. So honestly, just be yourself, and answer truthfully and from the heart.

At least from my experience, that’s what TD cares about. The want to see real people in their real element. There were even times in the interview where the judges were discussing random ideas with each other and not just asking me questions – that’s how laid back the TD scholarship interview is.

Hope that helps, and best of luck to all the finalists!

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High School, Scholarships

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  • Andy

    Hey Joshua,

    Thanks for the article! It was really helpful. Since you are a TD winner, I was wondering how they notify winners, is it by mail or a telephone call? Thanks

  • Joshua

    Hey Andy,

    No problem! Glad you found it helpful.

    Recipients are notified by phone.

    Good luck!

  • Olivia

    Hi Joshua, thanks for the tips:)I was just wondering whether a 75% on the dot would be okay to apply with? Does having a higher average affect your chances? Thanks

  • Joshua

    Hey Olivia,

    I think a 75% on the dot would be absolutely fine, and while I can't say for sure, I don't believe your marks matter much once you have a 75% average.

    Good luck!

  • Olivia

    Thank-you, and I was also wondering if I would be eligible even though I'm taking 7 courses in grade 11? do we have to have a full course load? I tried looking on the website but couldn't find any info. Thanks again:)

  • Joshua

    Hi Olivia,

    I actually have no idea, so I suggest emailing or calling them directly with your question.

  • Olivia

    Thanks!

  • jesus rodriguez

    Hey Joshua, would you recommend applying to TD EVEN IF your volunteer experience is just casual volunteering and nothing special? I'm more of a extra curricular person than volunteering person.

  • Joshua

    Hey Jesus Rodriguez,

    I would say that if you have the time, might as well apply and go for it.

  • Shilpa

    Hey Joshua, I have this one leadership experience where I called about 40 people to the park clean-up. That comes under my environmental contribution. My other contributions involve a project that I did with old people, and I also completed 100 hours of volunteering at an Old Age Home. Other than these activities, I regularly participate in park-clean ups and tree-planting campaigns. Do you think this is good enough for them to consider me?

  • Joshua

    Hi Shilpa,

    Definitely go for it!

  • Hayley

    Hi Joshua,

    I was wondering when you found out that you were a finalist.

  • Joshua

    I think I found out sometime during my winter break.

  • Sara

    Hi Joshua,

    I still havent heard from them. Does that mean i didn't make it as a finalist? Do they call before the end of december for sure or do they call in the first week of january as well?

  • Joshua

    Hi Sara,

    Honestly, I have no idea. You're best off contacting the scholarship program directly.

    Best of luck!

  • Joshua

    Hi Meghie,

    Congrats on your interview!

    Everything I know I've written here. If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me.

    Good luck!

  • Meghie

    Hi Joshua,

    I have an interview scheduled for January 28th in Toronto. I was just wondering if you could provide me with any tips? Please email me at meghiesmids@gmail.com if you can.

    Thanks,
    Meghie

  • Sarah

    Hi Joshua, I am a finalist and have an interview scheduled for February 2nd. I was wondering if they asked any specific questions about TD itself?

  • Joshua

    Hey Sarah,

    Congrats on being a finalist! :)

    I of course can't say for sure, but I think the probability of them asking you anything about the TD Bank itself is close to 0%.

    They want to learn more about you. In my experience, they don't try to ask you trick questions or try to trap you with random stuff.

  • Rosemary Finn

    Hi Joshua:

    My name is Rosemary Finn, and I am a scholarship coach. I live in Stephenville, NL. I have coached many students for the Loran and for the TD and many other prestigious scholarships. I also assist with "how to write the best application." I work with students from across the province and from other provinces. I find your comments genuine.

    We all talk about "be yourself" but young people without any interview experience need to prepare. One important element I find helpful is setting up a "mock" interview. I do believe that it is better to be prepared than not to prepare. I have had a number of students who have had similar experiences to yours. The Loran is tough and more probing, and I have often been disappointed when "great students" like you do not receive the prestigious award but go on to win the TD. I'm sure it is the interview process. The TD is a great scholarship, and I have worked with a number of students who were winners. I have also worked with students who won the Loran. I think it is all relevant and it depends on the person/s who are interviewing. Greeting each of the interviews and calling them by name is a great point. Be sure to extend a firm handshake (without being too firm). Good eye contact, proper dress, prepare as best you can,and you will be ready. Find out who other winners are and make personal contact for thier opinions and advice. Thanks for the information. Remember each student has his/her own strong points. Sounds like you have a very pleasing personality which goes a long way–adding humour to your interview is always good as it shows your personality. Arrive early, and take into consideration that there might be people around you who are listening to your comments–some are even former winners. So, be on your toes.

    Rosemary Finn

    rosemaryfinn5@hotmail.com

  • John Tam

    Hey there joshua,

    its td interview time soon, and i was wondering whether the interview had a greater focus on specific questions about your application or more so on your character and your future plans. Is there any sort of a group activity or is it just the disucssion with a former winner and the 30 minute interview?

    Thank you for your help in advance!

  • Joshua

    @John: I would say TD is more concerned with learning more about the things you wrote about in your application, your personal interests/hobbies, and a bit about your future plans. No, there's no group activity. It's a panel interview with 4 or 5 judges.

    Good luck!

  • John Tam

    Were there really specfic questions about your applications, like with my loran interview i had one judge ask me how many boxes of clothes were shipped, how many people exactly it helped or is it more like how you managed your time and what roles you played in projects and such?

    Thank you again for your advice!

  • Joshua

    @John: I don’t think they’d ask specific questions like that, but who knows – anything is fair game. Good luck!

  • Priyanka

    Hi Joshua,

    I was just wondering how late in January you were told about being accepted for an interview slot. Apparently finalists are told in "early January" but how do they define early?

    Just wondering!

    Thanks :)

  • Shelley

    Hi Joshua,

    For TD interview,if you get a question like “tell me about yourself” do you repeat some of the things you have already written in the 600 words essay or you just tell them general things about yourself.

    Thanks for your help.

    Shelley

  • Joshua

    @Priyanka: In my year (which is 4 years ago… quite a while back) I found out in late December I think. So I have no idea when finalists are told now.

    @Shelley: I think it's okay to repeat some things from your essay if they're important, but I view tell me about yourself as a way to give a brief introduction to many aspects of your life. Usually, I like to answer that question with (1) brief info on where you were born/raised, (2) key current involvements, (3) hobbies/personal interests, (4) immediate education/career plans, and long term goals/interests. Good luck!

  • Shelley

    Hi Joshua:

    Thanks for your advice. It is very helpful. I have another question: If they ask you why you think you deserve to win the TD scholarship, what is a strong answer?

    Shelley

  • Kyle

    Hi Josh, and everyone else here!

    I don't believe I've got a specific question to ask you, but wanted to thank you for your insight into the selection process. =) You're very kind to answer questions and help prepare each new year of applicants!

    Any word from someone who has gone through the experience much less one is more than valuable.

    To everyone who made the short-list… Good luck!!!

  • Joshua

    @Shelley: I’d suggest thinking about why you think TD is offering this scholarship and how you fit that criteria best. In my opinion, they viewing it as investing in young people who they feel will be doing good things in their communities in the long run. Are you going to be improving your community in the long run? Why should they invest in you?

    @Kyle: Thanks Kyle, I’m glad you’re finding the blog helpful! :) It’s always good to hear back that students like yourself find this beneficial!

  • Claudel

    Hi! I was interviewed today for TD scholarship and they told me I would get an answer around March 1st. I was just wondering .. did you get your answer before that ? If so, do you remember when ? thanks :)

  • Tkdfan

    Hi Joshua,
    I was wondering if you got you answer by telephone or by mail? Thanks

  • Anon

    Has anyone heard back yet?

  • Joshua

    @Claudel: If they say around March 1st, then it should be around March 1st! I won this scholarship over 4 years ago, so the whatever time I heard back is probably very different from what will happen this year anyways.

    @Tkdfan: Telephone.

    Good luck guys!

  • Tkdfan

    Thanks Joshua and good luck to all finalists!

  • Tdkfan

    Hey Joshua,

    Thank you very much for the tips. I found out just yesterday that I would receive the TD Scholarship! For all those who are looking at their phone every five minutes : I had my answer by e-mail!

    Good luck everyone!

  • shelley

    Hi Tdkfan:

    Congratualations. Which region are you from?

  • Tkdfan

    Congratulations Tdkfan!

    Funny that your "name" is almost like mine! Can you tell us more? Which region are you from?

  • Joshua

    @Tkdfan: Congrats! =)

  • Tkdfan

    @Joshua,

    Unfortunately, I did'nt received a TD Scholarship!

    Somebody took a name similar to mine "Tdkfan" and he or she is a winner!

  • Tkdfan

    Sorry for late answer!

    @Tdkfan: Sorry about the name!

    @Shelley: I am from Quebec.

    @Tdkfan: You must still be very proud of yourself. Like Joshua, I didn't get the Loran Award, so I am very happy that it worked out this time! Keep up with your good work; if you didn't get the TD scholarship, you'll get something else that is even better.

  • Tdkfan

    OMG sorry, it's confusing; I messed up with the names again! Sorry Tkdfan!

  • td12

    is the shortlist out for 2011 2012

    • Anonymous

      Hey, sorry, but I am not involved in the selection process for the TD scholarship, so I have no idea. Good luck!

  • Mehwish Panjwani

    Hey, I applied for the TD scholarship and I was wondering if anyone found out if they were a finalist yet? I am just wondering because its already December 25th so theres not much time left in December

  • Samantha_manner

    I got a call that I was one of this years finalists. Josh you said that the interview was rather casual , so casual that you can talk to the judges on a first name basis during the interview?

    • AV

      Congrats! The most important thing you have to remember when you will be in front of the judges is only to be yourself! I didn’t talk to the judges on a first name basis, but other people did and we all ended up at the same place!
      They already know what you did; during the interview, they will ask you to describe your activities, but they want you to show them that you really know WHY you do all that! Where will you be passing your interview?
      Good luck, you can be extremely proud of what you have accomplished!

      • Anonymous

        Great advice, thanks for sharing!

        • AV

          I must thank you for this helpful website! It helped me a lot when I had my interview! Looking forward to thank you in person at the next TD scholars conference!

      • Samantha_manner

        Thanks for the advice. My interview will be in Toronto.

    • Yman

      Did you get An email too?

      • Samantha_manner

        Yes I did.

    • Anonymous

      Congrats! I would not address them on a first name basis.

      By casual, I mean it was a very friendly discussion more than anything. Sure, you are the focus of the interview, and they ask you questions, but they are very pleasant, give feedback, make interesting comments, etc.

      • Samantha_manner

        Thanks Josh, good to know! Did you take the offer of the summer employment , if so what was the experience like for you?

  • Jessica Ander Son

    Can some people be finalists without getting a call/email for an interview? If that is not true, then why must they notify people by the end of March if they go it or not, just curious.

  • KLP

    Just wanted to thank you for all your incredibly helpful articles! I was a semi-finalist for the Loran interviews and I have my finalist interview for the TD in a few days, and so I was very happy to see that when I googled “loran or TD interview help!”, at least something came up! Even though it all still comes down to just being me at the interviews, your articles take out some elements of surprise in what the format looks like, etc and that’s very, very helpful! Congrats on your TD Canada award (even though it was a few years ago) and best of luck pursuing your medical career! :)