Applying For a Scholarship – Why Am I a Good Candidate?
If you are applying for a scholarship, you may wonder, “Why am I a good candidate?” The best answer to this question depends on your particular circumstances, but there are a few things that can help you out.
Persistence
Persistence is a big deal, particularly in a high stakes academic environment. The Presidential Persistence Scholarship program awards up to $4,500 in merit-based financial aid over three years. It’s available to UMF students in good standing, and all applicants must meet the basic requirements. This includes a GPA of at least 2.75.
If you’re looking for a scholarship to boost your education and career prospects, the Presidential Persistence Scholarship is your ticket to the next level. You can receive up to $1,500 for your first year and another $2,000 for the final year. Designed by UMF vice president for enrollment, Jared Cash, the program is a nod to the persistence quotient.
While the Presidential Persistence Scholarship is certainly a worthy recipient, there are many other scholarships to choose from. Many entice applicants with the prospect of free money, and a lot of that money comes in the form of flexible spending. That’s great news for students with financial challenges, but it’s not a guarantee.
A good scholarship provider will also feature information about previous award recipients. They may even feature a sample of winning essays. Make sure to check the fine print and ask questions of any prospective sponsors.
One of the best things about the Presidential Persistence Scholarship is the plethora of opportunities it presents. Aside from the typical course-based aid, there are also research stipends, internships and fellowships. As the name suggests, this program has a particular interest in helping to increase the number of underserved college students in the Bay Area. Having a higher education is a long-held dream for many Bay Area students. Hopefully, they can realize that goal with a little persistence.
Socially conscious
When it comes to applying for a scholarship, a socially conscious student is an asset. Many colleges and universities have become more conscious of where their resources are spent, and there are several scholarships available to help students continue their education and improve the world.
Whether you want to go to graduate school, or simply pursue a career in an eco-conscious field, a green scholarship can help you pay for your schooling. Some scholarships offer students the chance to work on a green project of their choice, and others can pay for conferences and experiences.
While it is important to demonstrate your commitment to a cause, you will also want to show the committee that you have the skills and motivation to succeed. A well-crafted essay submission, along with evidence of your involvement in volunteer and community service, can highlight your passion for a cause.
If you want to get into a graduate program that specializes in sustainability, you might consider applying for the Sustainability Champions Scholarship. This award is provided by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Students interested in this award must have at least 78 credit hours, be enrolled full time, and demonstrate financial need. They must also write a challenge proposal that shows how they intend to use their scholarship to further their education in sustainable practices.
The Brittney Fox Watts Endowment for Study Abroad in Sustainability Scholarship is another award for students who are interested in studying abroad. You must write an essay that details why you believe a study abroad program would benefit your studies.
If you are a student of Asian American or Pacific Islander descent, you may be eligible for a scholarship. To qualify, you must be an undergraduate or graduate student, a member of the AAPI community, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Community-driven
If you’re a student in need of additional funding, it’s worth looking into community-driven scholarships. These awards are given to students who demonstrate strong community leadership and are in good academic standing. Besides providing financial assistance, these scholarships also encourage you to participate in community service.
The Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists offers a scholarship for students who display academic excellence. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy practice can also apply.
Wal-Mart Pharmacy Scholarship is awarded to pharmacy students with a strong financial need. This award is based on academic performance, leadership, and the students’ interest in community pharmacy practice. Applicants need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Against the Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship is available to Asian American students who are changing lives. The scholarship provides financial support to students enrolled in an accredited program in the United States.
A number of colleges and organizations offer community-driven scholarships. Many of these scholarships are merit-based, so you need to be a standout candidate to qualify for these awards.
The Golden Leaf Foundation offers financial assistance to select students who have demonstrated financial need, campus activities, and academic performance. Financial assistance is available for 96-hour continuing education courses, as well as for courses leading to a state or national credential. Applicants must enroll in 12 credits per semester at a community college to qualify.
In addition to financial assistance, many scholarships provide the opportunity to complete one or two summer classes at an accredited college. Some scholarships are awarded in honor of a former student or faculty member.
Community-driven scholarships can help you to pay for college without borrowing money. Unlike loans, you don’t have to repay the funds. You can use the funds to pay for tuition, books, NREMT testing fees, or other expenses.
Highlight your personality traits that are relevant to the scholarship
One of the first things a scholarship reviewer will look for is your unique traits and skills. They are interested in your best traits and how you are likely to benefit from the funding you are seeking. Make sure to showcase the perks you’ve garnered from your past experiences.
For example, if you are a science buff you can mention your involvement in a research project in your essay, even if you don’t intend to use the funds. This will be a big plus for any committee.
You can also talk about your favorite book, if you have one. However, be careful not to write a 500 word essay about your favorite book. Instead, choose an appropriate topic and demonstrate your interest in learning.
Another good bet is to discuss your favourite role models. If you have a role model you admire, tell the committee why. Also, be sure to mention how your personality trait has contributed to your personal growth.
The best scholarship essays will discuss topics that interest you personally, not just your school. This will help you stand out from the crowd. While most students are interested in gaining access to high-paying jobs, this does not mean that you should sacrifice your ambitions for financial security. There are plenty of avenues to pursue, especially if you have the drive and the financial means. With the proper planning, you can become a future leader in your chosen field.
Remember, the right scholarship could put you on a path to success. However, you need to be armed with knowledge and the proper attitude. By demonstrating your skills and achievements, you can ensure that you get the most out of your funding.
Reach out to past scholarship recipients for advice
When applying for a scholarship, it’s important to remember that the first impression you make is one of the most important. You need to ensure that you’re professional in all communications, and that you follow up with your scholarship provider. Not only can you save yourself a lot of time and effort, but you can also enhance your chances of being accepted.
It’s best to start your application process early. This will give you more time to gather all the materials you need. Also, you’ll have the opportunity to research the scholarship and learn about its source. If you’re unsure about how to find the information you need, it may be a good idea to ask a counselor at your school.
Depending on the type of scholarship you are applying for, you may need to write a letter of recommendation. Before you do this, you’ll want to provide your recommender with a file of all your documents and personal information. Some scholarships may not require letters of recommendation, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Several scholarship providers post the names of past scholarship recipients on their website. This will be helpful for future applicants. However, keep in mind that they may not be able to respond to your emails.
A scholarship essay can be the most time-consuming part of the application process. You need to write an essay that is both compelling and personable. Your essay should be about a subject that interests you. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure to stick to the word count.
After you’ve written your essay, be sure to proofread it carefully. Don’t forget to cut out any unnecessary words or sentences.