And then there were 250. That’s how many applicants have made it through to the third round of actor Charlie Sheen‘s highly publicized online competition for a summer, social media focused intern.

Among this group is 21-year-old part-time central Pennsylvania journalist Julia Hatmaker, who covers city politics and school issues for daily the Patriot-News. More importantly, she was an intern last summer for the UK government and writes about Twitter trends on her blog Trendtweet. She tells colleague Dustin Hockensmith:

“I first applied as a joke, because I thought I wouldn’t have any chance,” Hatmaker said. “I still don’t think it’s really going to happen, but I would be so excited. Whatever people may think of Charlie Sheen, he’s so smart at using social media to further his brand.”

Hatmaker’s 75-character (or less) initial self-description for stage one of the internship derby was right on the Sheen money, apparently. It read: “Winners don’t have to explain themselves. Only losers do.” By Friday, she and the other 249 finalists (which also include a porn star or two) have to post a two-minute video to YouTube. Good luck!

Update – 03/25/11: A second journalist has been revealed as being among the final group of 250. He is Mike Castro, social media director at KFNS Radio in St. Louis.

Update – 04/12/11: Hatmaker did not make it to the final round of 50.