Do
you have scholarship application materials ready to go?
Some applications require one or more of the following:
1. Letters of recommendation – Choose people who know you
best and will write a well-written letter.
You want to ensure your reference matches the qualifications requested
on the application. This means that while your neighbor may think very highly
of you, it may be more appropriate to ask a school official (Teacher,
Counselor, Principal), to write the letter.
Most people who write letters of recommendation find that a written
list of your strengths and accomplishments helps the process go more smoothly.
You should offer to provide such a list when you ask for the letter to be
written. Also, be sure to give the letter writer a couple of weeks advance
notice, where possible.
For more helpful info on letters of recommendation, see the
website links below:
- Scholarships.com - Letters of Rec. Info
- Owl.english.purdue.edu - Letters of Rec. Info
2. Personal statement and/or Essay – Demonstrates why you
are the perfect match for the scholarship. Might include future goals and
plans, talents, accomplishments, etc. See the video and links below for more
detailed information, along with a few examples.
- CollegeBoard - guidelines for writing an essay, including sample questions and essays
- Fastweb.com - Writing a Personal Statement
- Admissionsvanderbilt.edu - Writing a Personal Essay
3. Résumé - Some scholarship applications may request a
resume outlining your strengths and accomplishments. In other cases, they may
like to see a resume outlining your work experience. Beckie Henrie (MCHS) or
Marcy Hansen (RHS) in the Career Center can help you with your resume. There is
also a great resume tool on UtahFutures.org See the links below for help with
scholarship resumes.
- GoCollege.com's tips for Scholarship Résumé's
- eHow.com's instructions for Scholarship Resume's
For help with employment Resumes, see Beckie Henrie (MCHS) or
Marcy Hansen (RHS) in the Career Center.
4. Official Transcript(s)
- You can get these from Amy Archibald (MCHS) or Gay Leishman (RHS),
Registrar, in the counseling office. Transcripts cost $2 at MCHS if Amy sends them to an institution for you. At RHS transcripts are free if sent electronically or you pick it up, $1 if you need it mailed with a stamp and envelope.
5. Nominations by a school official – Some scholarships can
only be applied for if you receive recommended by a school official. In this
case, be sure to notify Tara Johnson (RHS) or Angela Wood (MCHS) in the
counseling office.
6. Interviews - Some
scholarship committees may choose to interview their applicants. You will find
a link listed below that offers some excellent tips when it comes to
scholarship interviews.
GoCollege.Com's Tips for Scholarship Interviews