Dear Brightest Young Minds applicants,

As you have probably seen stated in our marketing, or on the website, the application process is not all about academics. At BYM, we are looking for people who have an impact, and intelligence is therefore certainly an important factor. So showing us you excel academically is a good way to convince us of your intelligence and diligence - but not the only way. If your academic record is not strong, you could still definitely be a BYM, but you need to convince us you are intelligent in other ways.

You might run your own business or have developed and run some great projects where you work. You might be a web design genius, or a musical prodigy, or maybe just a great salesperson with excellent people skills. Having any of these qualities (and many more) means you have an intelligence not well measured by classical academics, but something to offer to the BYM program.

However, the application form will require quite a bit of academic information from you. The reason we cover your academics comprehensively is for our own records on the Brightest Young Minds alumni, and for recruitment purposes. Brightest Young Minds delegates have gotten job offers after, or even during the summit from the corporate partners. Adding your BYM selection to your CV should also be quite a big selling point.

If you have any special needs at the summit, we will endeavour to take care of them, so don't let that deter you in any way. If you are experiencing financial difficulty which might prevent you from being able to cover accommodation or travel costs to the Summit, we have a number of bursaries available to cover these expenses for selected delegates. Don't let this deter you from making your application.

Tell your friends about BYM!! The person that refers the most applicants will automatically qualify for the interview round (an extra spot).

Applications are open to any Australian residents aged 18-28 as at 1 July 2010. All applications must be submitted by midnight Saturday 15th May.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED FOR 2010