Merge pull request #76 from ocefpaf/faq

Author: ocefpaf

_pages/01-applicants.md

@@ -112,4 +112,16 @@ please mention that in the application.
 
 Yes. While we understand that not all topics may be 100% relevant to you we want to maximize engagement. Note that we post the lessons and videos online later, so if you are interested in only a portion of the OceanHackWeek consider that an option rather than taking someone's spot.
 
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+**Q: My application was not accepted, what now?**
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+Sadly resources are limited and we cannot accommodate all the applicants we would like.
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+It is important to note that a rejected application does not mean a bad one! The reasons are:
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+- The organizer tries to accommodate a good balance from novices to experts. That means a candidate may be rejected one year and accepted in another due to the different pool of applicants. Rule of thumb? Always apply again next year if possible! Also, if you believe you can contribute to the OHW as a helper instead of a student, please get in touch! We are always in need of helpers.
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+- Another important factor that goes into the selection of candidates is the motivation paragraph in your application. Boilerplate answers or short answers like: "I want to participate" or "It is important to me" may get lower ranking than those who read the past year materials and wrote a paragraph on how the OHW can really make a difference to them. In short: be informed, be honest, be you!
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+- Also, please refer to the FAQ question: "I am proficient in Matlab / R / other languages but have not used Python. It has been on my list to learn. How can I make my application be stronger?"
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