So, the deadline for the IBRO SIMONS #imbizo is approaching quickly. It's quite possibly the best computational neuroscience summer school south of the equator, so do apply at imbizo.africa @SCglobalbrain @isiCNI @ibroSecretariat @alfairhall @JosephRaimondo @adantro 
While you're here, we have some tips and tricks for a successful application to the imbizo, but more generally to anything you will ever want to apply for:
(added pics for added value)
(added pics for added value)
0) Ignore the odds & competition. Deliver the best you got. Inquire if you got questions. Don’t take rejection personally. Request feedback, apply again. You want in? You'll make it eventually. These typically empty catchphrases, esp. 4 POC, are true for imbizo.africa
1) We see LOTS of apps, ++ than we can take. So don’t disqualify urself in the first round: Disobey instructions, leave fields blank, or be flippant? Others are crushing this. If your app looks like you care 80%? Superstar w/ 8 nature paps, but too cool 4 app? -Too cool 4 school.
2) Assume the people evaluating your app don't know you, your schools, prizes. They'll go by how YOU present yourself. Explain exhaustively, be real, don’t brag, state matter-of-factly how great you are (UR!). Examples of your motivation will help more than external validation.
3) Try to picture the applicant profile we're looking for. You can learn a great deal about the focus of the school from the questions. Take them seriously and explain how you fit the profile. (And if you don’t fit the profile, maybe consider applying elsewhere, instead.)
4) Use the space you got: Obey the word limits on your answers strictly. If we ask for background in 300 words, don’t write “neuroscience” (see point 1). We asses if you're a good fit on what you provide. If you don’t throw us a bone, well, we ain’t gonna have nothing to chew on.
5) Plagiarise and lie at your peril. Each year we see apps which underestimate our ability to google, or detect strange variations in style and quality. Enthusiastically admitting your ignorance (e.g. on the choice of a project) will be positively noted. Impostering? Not so much.
6) Hound your references. It’s easy to forget a letter. Send friendly reminders. Ask if your reference was submitted. Offer help. Explain the expectations (see 4) All of these things will be appreciated. Just don’t submit your own reference (see 5).
Did I forget anything? Do you have a question? Ask away, go write your app, and good luck. See you in Muizenberg 2020. #imbizo
