How much time and effort does it take to become a Truman Finalist and advance to the interview?
Typically, Truman Finalists report spending as much or more time completing the Truman materials, and preparing for the interview, as they spend on a three-hour course. Candidates who are serious about advancing in the competition usually spend a great deal of time planning, writing, and editing their narrative responses and policy proposal to generate a polished, reflective, insightful product that will be among the top quarter or third of all applications received. Persons who advance to the interview spend substantial time and effort having practice interviews, catching up on current events, and reading about Mr. Truman and his presidency.
