Please take the time to look through these slides for help finding scholarships from Scholar Tree
Click here to find links to each
All too often, students fail to obtain the scholarships they apply for not because they lack the necessary qualifications, but because the application itself is incomplete. Remember, when you complete the application, you are talking to a real person and not a computer, or a mind reader. Make sure you give them enough information so they don’t have to make assumptions about your motives or your performance. Students can do themselves a great injustice if the forms they complete for this purpose do not clearly reflect their academic achievements, their personality, and their social and community activities.
Criteria for obtaining scholarships vary from one school to another, with academic achievement remaining as one of the principal determinants in any competition: however, judges who award scholarships are also especially interested in the applicants’ extracurricular activities. Accordingly, students must demonstrate that they have actively contributed in community or service related activities. A detailed comprehensive description of all community involvement is essential: simply mentioning one’s membership in an organization is not enough. Specifically, students must describe the organization, explain its goals and the role they play in it, and list the benefits that the organization can give to the community. Also, students should explain how their involvement helped in development and learning. Donor companies use this criterion to reach students who believe in social commitment. What speaks the most for a student’s potential as a contributor to the community is an existing track record of social and extra-curricular involvement. In fact, judges, in general, look to reward students who succeed in maintaining the delicate balance between academic excellence and conscientious community activity. Involvement in your Church is especially noteworthy. The Importance of Completing Application forms correctly The first conditions to meet are clarity and neatness. A typed and thoroughly proofread application is essential. Judges must be able to read and easily understand the information one has put forth; this information, while being truthful and straightforward, must allow the judges to see the applicant at his or her best. Preparing well in advance is strongly suggested so that unanticipated delays with letters of reference, mailings and official transcripts, for example, don’t ruin one’s chances. Required documents must be ready by set deadlines. As for letters of reference, students should provide the individuals they have asked to support them with the necessary information regarding their studies and their activities, with special requirements of the scholarship and with those examples of social involvement that make them the ideal candidate for an award. A point form summary of what you want mentioned is very helpful to the writer of any reference letter. Certain organizations require that the applications be sent directly by the school, and not the students. Misunderstandings regarding minor details can delay the consideration of an application and even cause it to be rejected. More Applications. More Opportunities In a sense, the process is like applying for a job: to beat the odds, one has to knock on many doors. However, it is better to apply well for one award than to rush off haphazard paperwork for several scholarships. Again, the emphasis on early preparation cannot be over-emphasized. Gathering data on tuition and other costs at various institutions, determining the cost of living away from home, calculating how much money will be required, and then determining what financial aid is available, is a complicated process. Students need to involve their parents in the process, as well, so that a workable strategy can be developed. The key to success is to formulate a realistic plan and work it aggressively. Good Luck! |
See Mr.BrissonIf you have any questions about awards or scholarships. SCHOLARTREE
An excellent external resource for awards and scholarships. Check regularly for updates. https://scholartree.ca/ |