Invitations to join the team went out in late November 2002 tio alumni, staff and students. Due to the overwhelming response, applicants were shortlisted based on their previous experience in mountaineering and outdoors. Out of an initial applicant pool of over 100 people, thirty candidates were put through a stringent over-night physical and mental assessment in December, conducted by instructors with experienced in such exercises.

The assessment kicked off at 8pm with a 5km run, followed by some physical exercises to gauge their fitness level. From this point onwards, the candidates were given instructions, with no warning of what was to come. Each was given a bulky plastic container loaded with sand to be carried in his (or her) rucksack for a 10km march. During the walk, more weight was added. To test their mental strength, the candidates were offered the option to drop out of the exercise. To their credit, none did, despite their obvious exhaustion.

After the walk, a series of exercises were deviced to test the candidates' decision making as a team, their situational and leadership skills, as well as their ability to communicate and work in a team.

The selection test ended at about 7am the following morning. Although exhausted, all agreed that it was a great introduction to get acquainted with one another.

The consultant team then examined the results of the assessment and interviewed all the instructors for feedback on the candidates' performance. After lengthy one-in-one interviews with every candidates, an initial group of 13 were chosen.

A meticulous programme has been drawn up, comprising a strict regime or individual and team training, team-building exercises, mountaineering courses, and training climbs, designed to raise their climbing skills. In the process, candidates are assessed and those deemed not to have reached the desired standard, or failed to gel with the team, are asked to step down.

Ultimately, up to 6 climbers will be selected for the team to climb Everest.