Each Homecoming Queen candidate will submit an application via a provided link that includes their resume and general qualifying information (GPA, credit hours, etc). Additionally, they will submit an essay.
Grading for preliminary rounds would consist of 5 members panels of faculty, staff, students, or alumni selected via recruitment through constituent groups, interest form, or appointment to the Homecoming Steering & Advisory Committee. No college, organization, department, or affiliate group would be represented by more than 2 individuals per preliminary round group. The essay portion would be de-identified and referenced only with an Applicant Number for grading. The interview process would consist of an interview via zoom or in-person. Scoring for essays and interviews would be based on a review rubric and details.
Application
- Current resume (to be provided to interview team; will not be scored)
- Statement of Intent (to be placed on website for Top 5; Will not be scored)
- In 250 words or less, please write a statement of intent describing your passion for seeking candidacy and serving as the UA Homecoming Queen
- Essay (see questions and rubric below)
Applications will open on September 18, 2024.
Essay Questions
The role of Homecoming Queen represents more than just a title; it embodies the values of service, leadership, scholarship, and character. To help us understand how you align with these ideals, please write one essay that addresses the following:
- Service: Describe a meaningful service project or initiative you have been involved in. How did you contribute, and what impact did your involvement have on the community or those you served? Reflect on how this experience has shaped your understanding of the importance of giving back.
- Leadership: Share an example of a leadership role you have undertaken, whether in school, extracurricular activities, or the community. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Discuss the leadership qualities you believe are most important and how you have demonstrated these in your role.
- Scholarship: Highlight a specific academic achievement or project that you are particularly proud of. Explain how your dedication to your studies has prepared you for future goals and how it reflects your commitment to intellectual growth and excellence.
- Character: Reflect on a personal experience that has significantly influenced your character. How has this experience shaped your values and behavior? Discuss how you strive to uphold integrity, empathy, and respect in your interactions with others.
In your essay, be sure to connect these elements to your vision of what it means to be a Homecoming Queen. How do you plan to use this platform to further embody and promote these values at The University of Alabama and the community?
Guidelines
- Length: 750-1000 words
- Format: Typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins
- Submission Deadline: Same as application (Uploaded at the time of submission)
Essay Rubric
Your essay will be evaluated based on clarity of expression and your depth of insight trough your writing ability and structure, as well as the ability to demonstrate how you exemplify the qualities of service, leadership, scholarship, and character. We look forward to reading your reflections and learning how you would honor the role of Homecoming Queen.
All submitted essay content must be produced by the students themselves, whether individually or collaboratively. Use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to complete this essay constitutes misconduct and is grounds for disqualification.
Individuals from the essay panel will utilize the below Essay Rubric to score each essay question. Each of the five categories can be scored up to 20 points. With five scorers, the essays are worth up to 500 points total.
Service (20pts)
- Excellent
- Essay demonstrates significant engagement in service activities with impactful results, shows deep understanding of the value of service, and provides specific examples of personal contributions and outcomes.
- Above Average
- Essay includes meaningful service experiences with clear positive outcomes and a good understanding of the value of service, though examples may be less detailed.
- Average
- Essay mentions service activities and their outcomes but lacks depth in the analysis or examples; understanding of the value of service is basic.
- Below Average
- Essay provides limited discussion on service activities with minimal outcomes or examples; understanding of service value is superficial.
- Poor
- Essay lacks significant discussion on service activities; no meaningful examples or understanding of the value of service.
Leadership (20pts)
- Excellent
- Provides a thorough analysis of leadership roles and achievements, demonstrating strong leadership skills and a clear impact on others. Specific examples are detailed and well-connected to leadership qualities.
- Above Average
- Includes solid examples of leadership roles and achievements with a good analysis of leadership skills and impact, though some details may be less comprehensive.
- Average
- Mentions leadership roles and achievements but lacks detailed analysis or specific examples; understanding of leadership is adequate but not deeply explored.
- Below Average
- Provides minimal examples of leadership roles with limited analysis; understanding of leadership qualities is basic.
- Poor
- Does not address leadership roles or provides very poor or irrelevant examples; lack of understanding of leadership.
Character (20pts)
- Excellent
- Offers a profound insight into personal character, demonstrating exceptional traits such as integrity, empathy, and perseverance with compelling examples and reflections.
- Above Average
- Provides a strong portrayal of personal character with good examples and reflections on traits like integrity and empathy, though some aspects may be less detailed.
- Average
- Describes personal character traits and provides basic examples, but lacks depth in reflection or analysis.
- Below Average
- Includes limited discussion on personal character with minimal examples and superficial analysis of traits.
- Poor
- Lacks meaningful discussion on personal character; no relevant examples or understanding of character traits.
Scholarship (20pts)
- Excellent
- Demonstrates exceptional scholarship with in-depth research, critical thinking, and a clear connection between academic pursuits and personal growth. Sources are well-integrated and thoroughly analyzed.
- Above Average
- Shows strong scholarship with solid research and analysis; connections between academic pursuits and personal growth are evident but may lack some depth.
- Average
- Includes adequate research and analysis with clear connections between academics and personal growth, though depth and integration may be limited.
- Below Average
- Provides minimal research and analysis; connections between academic pursuits and personal growth are weak or underdeveloped.
- Poor
- Lacks significant research or analysis; connections between academics and personal growth are unclear or absent.
Writing Ability and Structure (20pts)
- Excellent
- Essay is exceptionally well-written with clear, coherent structure, and logical flow. Writing is engaging, free of errors, and demonstrates a high level of sophistication in language and style.
- Above Average
- Essay is well-written with a clear structure and mostly coherent flow; minor errors may be present, but overall language and style are strong.
- Average
- Essay has a basic structure and clear writing; some errors may be present, and the flow may be less coherent or engaging.
- Below Average
- Essay shows weak structure with frequent errors; writing is unclear or disjointed, affecting overall readability.
- Poor
- Essay lacks coherent structure with numerous errors; writing is confusing or difficult to follow.