How To Prepare Winning Scholarship Applications

Announcements of local community and regional scholarships will increase in the weeks ahead. Typically, these scholarships require application materials that include a multiple page application, essay(s), grade transcript copies, and letters of recommendation. The most important aspect of applying for these scholarships is not to simply submit application materials, but to paint a vivid and impressive portrait of you and your achievements.

Winning applications allow application readers (scholarship judges) to know student applicants through descriptions and discussion of their values, interests, opinions and talents. Judges need to know who the person is (the real you) behind all the accomplishments and extracurricular activities presented on your application. A winning application will create a vibrant picture of you by weaving together all the parts of the application (the application form, essay, résumé, recommendations, and transcripts) to create a consistent and clear picture of who you are and why you deserve to win that scholarship.

Keep in mind that scholarship judges are looking for the best person to represent their organization (and their values/ideals). Strive to have your application clearly demonstrate that you are the best student to represent each scholarship sponsor.

To summarize, all parts of the scholarship application should work together to effectively portray the character and personality (or main point) you are trying to communicate about yourself. Make sure the personal attributes you want to convey are reinforced by discussion of your extracurricular activities and accomplishments on your application, essay, letters of recommendation, and other submitted documents. Again, all elements should all work together to bring out your positive character and personality to the scholarship judges to show you are the best person to win the scholarship and represent their organization.

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