Cover letters & Resumes

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?
A cover letter for a scholarship is similar to a cover letter you’d submit for a job. What does that mean exactly?

It’s simply a letter you write to the scholarship committee. In the letter you should explain what makes you a great candidate for the award. You should also talk about how the scholarship will help you reach your educational and career goals.

There are a lot of students out there who fit the bill of a great scholarship candidate. They may have excellent grades and test scores. They may have a list of extracurricular activities to boast about. 

Whether you have those things or not, many scholarship committees look for something else.  They look at students who have overcome struggles. Students who are leaders in their community. And students who have unique hobbies. Your cover letter is the place to show off your unique self.

WHAT SHOULD YOUR COVER LETTER ACCOMPLISH?
    • Highlight your strengths: Why do your strengths make you a good match for the scholarship?
• Express what your plans are for the future: How will this particular scholarship help get you there?
• Convey a clear structure: Your cover letter should flow in a clear and concise manner. 

WHY WRITE A SCHOLARSHIP RESUME?
Adding a resume to your scholarship application is a great way to distinguish yourself from the competition. Sure, a transcript with straight A’s looks good. But a resume that can show off a well-rounded student with interests and volunteer experiences looks great. This is what the scholarship committee looks for in applicants.

HOW TO FORMAT YOUR RESUME?
• Contact information
• Education
• Awards and honors
• Work experience
• Volunteer experience
• Extracurricular activities
• Skills such as languages and computers                   Info from scholarshipowl.com