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We get asked a lot questions about the application process. If you’ve got another question, email it to minerva@ua.edu. If it’s a good one, we might just add it to the list.

What does the application consist of?

We can’t give away too much detail since part of the process requires not knowing everything in advance. But, we can tell you that there are two parts to the application. The first part is an assessment of your conceptual thinking ability and is simply a big open-ended question. The second part (a new addition btw) is a very short written experiment. Neither element is like any application you’ve ever filled out for any other job or organization. There are no right or wrong answers — just some answers that are better than others. For this application, surprise and delight is key.

When do applications become available?

9:00a on Monday, the week before spring break.

When is the deadline to return applications?

5:00p on Wednesday, the week after spring break.

Where can I find the application once it’s released?

You can pick up a physical application in Reese Phifer, room 234. Or, once they’ve been released, you can download a PDF by searching “Minerva” on the C&IS Engagement Portal.

Is it the same big question every year?

Nope. It’s always new. Always fresh.

Can you give me an example of the big question from past applications?

Sure. The question for our very first application was was “What does it take?”

What does “short written experiment” mean?

It just means we don’t want to have to read a bunch of formulaic essays or navel-gazing short stories. Who’s got the time and energy for all that? Bleh.

Am I allowed to get current Minerva students to help me?

No. Yes. Well, sorta. They (nor anyone else for that matter) should offer you ideas on how to answer the big question or complete the written portion of your application. It’s your application, not theirs. However, current students can offer very basic critique on your developed ideas — just no suggestions for new ideas.

Or, you can holler at us minerva@ua.edu.

Minerva is part of the Department of Advertising & Public Relations in the College of Communication & Information Sciences at the University of Alabama.

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