NCSS 2009

NCSS 2009 Applications

The 2009 application process involves completing the application form and returning it with the extra (and sometimes optional) documentation.

2009 Application Checklist

All applicants are required to post the following items:

• Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) stating why you should be considered for NCSS. Things you might include a description of are:
• experience with computer software/programming/hardware
• school computing projects
• URLs of websites you have developed
• graphic designs you have created (you may include up to 2 pages of examples)
• programming experience (you may include up to 4 pages of your most interesting source code)
• extra-curricular activities and personal interests.
• Teacher's Reference from a teacher who knows you well and preferably teaches a subject related to computing or design
• School Reports: A photocopy of your two most recent school reports
• School Certificate, Record of Achievement, Part B (for NSW students only): A photocopy of your Part B, School Certificate Record of Achievement. This Board of Studies page shows you which page to photocopy.

Hints to Applicants

Please do not submit your application in a folder or plastic sleave since we only have to take them out and throw out the folder. A single paper or alligator clip makes our life easiest!

Please ensure that you fill the application form out clearly. We often have difficulty making out handwriting so please print carefully (particularly your name, address and email address since this is the only way we can contact you!) Make sure you supply a valid email address that you check regularly.

Make sure you include any relevant computing or design experience on your cover letter. Also, don't forget to mention other activities such as participation in charity events, school leadership positions and personal interests.

Submit NO MORE information than is requested that is, don't be tempted to send in more pages of source code or a CD containing your latest program. 4 pages of interesting code will be enough to demonstrate your knowledge. Any more than that and we don't get time to read the application forms.

Selection Process

NCSS selects approximately 70 students to attend each year. We get significantly more applications than we can accept. We select students based on their interest in programming and website design, computing experience and academic ability and their potential for contribution to the wider social environment of the school.

We also attempt to select a relatively even number of male and female students, students from both the city and the country, and students from public and private schools. We also actively target students from disadvantaged backgrounds.