Final Selection Activities: Candidate Schedule
This is an overview of the candidate schedule. We hope you will attend all events to help you learn more about NC State and the Park Scholarships program, but we realize that you may have competing obligations. Events designated as “essential” are the core components of Final Selection Activities that all Finalists must attend.
Friday, March 6, 2026
Morning | College Activities (optional)
- Each of NC State’s colleges will host their own activities for Park Finalists. You will receive detailed information from your college after you register for Finalist Weekend.
- Attire: Casual
- College Activities »
1:30-3 p.m. | Walking Tour of Main Campus (optional)
- Location: Talley Student Union, 2610 Cates Avenue, Central Campus – tours will depart from the Technology Tower (exterior elevator on Dunn Avenue side of Talley)
- Location Details: The Technology Tower is close to the main entrance of Reynolds Coliseum at 2411 Dunn Ave. It is a 5-minute walk from the Coliseum Parking Deck.
- Parking: Coliseum Parking Deck, 201 Jeter Drive, Central Campus
- Attire: Casual
- This tour includes viewing the Honors Village and the Park Commons in Peele Hall.
4:45-5:45 p.m. | Park Scholarships Reception (optional)
- Location: State Ballroom, Talley Student Union (3rd Floor), 2610 Cates Avenue, Central Campus
- Location Details: Nearest corner – Cates Avenue and Morrill Drive, 5-minute walk from the Coliseum Parking Deck
- Parking: Coliseum Parking Deck, 201 Jeter Drive, Central Campus
- Attire: Business professional
Come when you like within this time. During the reception, take advantage of the following activities:
- Headshots: All Finalists will get their headshots taken.
- Park Enrichment Grant Posters: Converse with current Park Scholars about their exciting enrichment activities – from traveling abroad to research ventures.
- Refreshments: Hors d’oeuvres and drinks are located at self-serve stations.
- Mix and mingle: Our esteemed guests are eager to connect with Finalists and families.
- Resource Fair: Learn about some of the many resources NC State has to offer. Pending availability, attendees include:
- African American Cultural Center
- Benjamin Franklin Scholars
- Disability Resource Office
- Fraternity and Sorority Life
- LGBTQ Pride Center
- The Graduate School
- KIETS Climate Leaders Program
- Institute for Advanced Analytics
- Multicultural Student Affairs
- Office of Undergraduate Research
- Shelton Leadership Center
- Student Government
- Student Health Services Center
- Student Leadership and Engagement
- Study Abroad
- University Honors Program
- University Sustainability Office
- Wellness and Recreation
- Women’s Center
6-8 p.m. | Park Scholarships Dinner (optional)
This event is a seated, plated dinner with assigned seats. Finalists may bring up to two guests. Those guests must be listed on the RSVP form.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
8:30-9:15 a.m. | Check-In
- Location: Duke Energy Hall (2nd floor), James B. Hunt Jr. Library, 1070 Partners Way, Centennial Campus
- Location Details: 5 minute walk from the Oval West Parking Deck
- Parking: Oval West Parking Deck, 914 Partners Way, Centennial Campus
- Attire: Business professional
- Arrive between 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
9:00-9:30 a.m. | Breakfast (optional)
- Light, continental breakfast provided.
9:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. | Final Selection Activities (essential)
- Please arrive by 9:15 a.m. Essential sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m.
- Activities include an interview, a group discussion task, a panel with students, faculty and alumni, an arts presentation and a conversation with the program director. Lunch is provided.
- During lunch, feel free to join on of our optional interest groups to hear firsthand about student life, campus resources and the support available here at NC State. If you’d prefer a more casual break, you’re welcome to sit a table without a set topic. You may rotate to different tables and topics anytime during the lunch. The topics available are:
- Arts & Music
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- Engineering
- GLBTQ+
- Health and Wellness
- Human Medicine & Animal Medicine
- Humanities
- Mathematics & Sciences
- Out of State / International Students
- People of Color
- Spiritual Beliefs
- Technology
- Under-resourced High Schools, Communities, Families