Building a Scholarship Profile
Out of thousands of scholarship candidates, how on earth do selection committees choose the winners? Of course, the essay is important as well as the grades, but besides that, there are other important factors that determine the scholarship winners. Winning scholarships is not an easy task, but here are some tips to keep in mind.
Extracurricular Activities
Involvement in extracurricular activities is an important part of the scholarship process, but it’s also important for high school engagement. By participating in different activities like Model UN, Knowledge Bowl, or DECA, you can learn different skills like teamwork, collaboration, and public speaking while pursuing your passions. Judges look at your participation and commitment to your activities as an indicator of who you are. Extracurricular involvement infers a certain sense of responsibility and initiative, while non-involvement might be perceived as apathy. Scholarships are awarded for dedication and commitment to the programs available to you at school. If you don’t enjoy the activities available, then start a club.
Leadership
Another determining factor is leadership in activities. It is one thing to follow; it is another to lead. Scholarship judges search out young leaders who are hungry to make a difference in their communities. Leadership can be in student government, ASB, community involvement, church groups, or after-school clubs. Young leaders demonstrate a heightened sense of responsibility, organization, and dedication. Scholarship organizations many times award funds to candidates who exhibit the highest potential through their activities and leadership.
Community Service
Scholarship judges focus on a candidate’s commitment to their communities as well. By volunteering, you can give back to your community and help others. Selection committees notice a student who has volunteered over a hundred hours at their local hospital and take into account their dedication and commitment in serving there. Some scholarships base their criteria around community service. Regardless of where you volunteer, the opportunity gives you experience in a working environment as well, which essentially adds to your work resume.
Sports
There are many scholarships that are awarded to student athletes. In addition to maintaining stellar grades, these students excel at their respective sports. Participation in a sport reflects commitment, dedication, and effort into your passions. These characteristics are taken into consideration by scholarship judges as they access your application.
Obstacles and Adversities
Some scholarships are awarded for overcoming adversities and persevering through hardships. While this situation may not be something you can develop, it is an important story to relate to the scholarship judges. Many times, people do not disclose unusual circumstances that have limited them from fully engaging in the opportunities around them. Judges don’t know about them unless it is included in the application. If you have an opportunity, by all means, use it. In the world of scholarships, every detail counts.
These are just some of the factors that are considered when determining scholarship winners. Some of the best advice about choosing what to participate in came from Horatio Alger member Doris K. Christopher, CEO of the Pampered Chef. She said, “Find what you love and pursue it with a passion.” Take advantage of the opportunities you have to find your passions and use those experiences to make a difference. Your involvement and dedication to your passions will influence your scholarship profile so take advantage of your opportunities and get involved.
