“The College Scholarship Interview”

A teenage girl, Ava, prepares for a high-stakes interview for a highly competitive college scholarship. She’s done everything “right” and walks in determined to impress, but the interview panel turns the pressure up fast. Their questions become oddly spiritual and strangely intense: “How many good deeds have you done?” “What makes you better than everyone else?” and “What’s your five-year plan for perfection?” Ava tries to keep up, giving polished answers while her anxiety climbs, until she feels like her worth is being measured and weighed in real time.

As she spirals under the need to perform, a quiet voice of truth cuts through the noise, reminding her that she is not a product, not a résumé, and not a performance. In the final moment, Ava stops pretending and answers with steady honesty: “I’m not perfect, but I’m learning.” The interviewers freeze, and a youth leader steps in to explain the bigger lesson: God values honesty over image, and our identity is rooted in Christ, not in achievements or approval.

Theme

Worth is received in Christ, not achieved through image.

Characters

(6-8 actors)
• Narrator – guides the story
• Ava – teen scholarship applicant
• Ms. Sterling – head interviewer, polished and intense
• Mr. Ledger – interviewer obsessed with stats, numbers, and “proof”
• Dr. Pinnacle – interviewer obsessed with perfection and plans
• Quiet Voice – represents God’s truth (calm, steady)
• Jordan – youth leader/mentor

When

Modern times — a weekday afternoon right after school, during scheduled scholarship interview hours.

Props & Costumes

• Table and 3 chairs for interviewers
• 1 chair for Ava
• Clipboard/folders for interviewers
• A resume folder for Ava
• A small mirror (optional)
• A “water cup” (optional)
• A simple cross necklace or Bible on a chair (optional)

Why

Ephesians 2:8–9 — We are saved by grace, not by works, so no one can boast. God values honesty and faith over performance.

How

Split stage: one side “Hallway/Waiting Area,” other side “Interview Room.”

Time

10 minutes