TOP TIPS ON WRITING A SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY
Scholarship providers receive hundreds of applications each year. How can you make YOUR essay stand out from the crowd?
Know your audience.
Before you begin to write your essay, be sure to familiarize yourself with the school or scholarship sponsor’s website. Read their mission / vision / About page. Make note of any key words and repeated phrases such as citizenship, leadership, community, service, volunteerism, etc. These words reveal what the organization values. Address these themes in your responses or essay.
Take note of the specific criteria for the scholarship candidate.
There will often be a list of traits that describe the ideal candidate. You may see adjectives such as leadership, integrity, humanitarian, etc. In your essay, demonstrate (with examples) how you possess these qualities. And be sure to read the eligibility requirements.
Read the biographies/essays of previous scholarship recipients if they are available.
This will give you a good indication of what the organization looks for in a candidate.
Be personal and share your story.
Emphasize your most meaningful and impactful experiences rather than listing a summary of all your activities. Explain the purpose -- the why -- that inspires you to do what you do, e.g., to help others, to care for the environment, etc. Demonstrate your passion by giving examples and sharing concrete results. For example, if you need to describe your involvement in leadership and/or in the community, be sure to include why you got involved, your responsibilities, the skills that were strengthened, the tangible results, and what you learned.
Describe any challenges and/or obstacles that you have overcome.
Focus on what you learned from overcoming these challenges. How have they contributed to your personal growth and development of your skills? Expand on your long-term goals. Articulate a clear and concise list of future aspirations/goals. A student who has made plans for their future is more likely to win a scholarship than one who has no clear goals. Your past accomplishments can be a good predictor of future success.
Be meticulous in following the rules and regulations.
Read the essay instructions carefully and take note of essentials such as word limit, font size, spacing, etc. For example, if a 500- 600-word essay is required, remain within those limits. Word count is very important! The scholarship committee will expect you to be able to adhere to simple instructions. If not, your application could be excluded from consideration.
Have someone proofread/edit your essay.
A well-written essay, free of errors, is an important factor that is considered when applications are first reviewed. Make sure there is enough time before the application submission deadline to have another person proofread your essay. Incorrect spelling, structural problems in the essay, grammatical errors—all will hinder your chances of success.
Key takeaway:
The essay should give a glimpse as to who you are as an individual—your character, your passions, your goals, and plans. If you let your uniqueness shine through, your essay is sure to make an impression
IMPORTANT SCHOLARSHIP DATES
LORAN SCHOLARSHIP
Applications close on October 15, 2024, before 8 pm ET.
Visit the Website for more information and to begin your application --- https://loranscholar.ca/
THE NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP (U of T)
The deadline for nominees to apply for the 2025 National Scholarship is October 17, 2024 (11:59pm EDT).
Visit the Website for more information and to begin your application ---
https://future.utoronto.ca/national-scholarship/about/
TD SCHOLARSHIPS FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Are you a student in your final year of high school? Have you shown a commitment to making a positive difference in your community? You may be eligible for a TD Scholarship for Community Leadership valued at up to $70,000 over 4 years toward a post-secondary college or university education.
Apply online between September 4 and November 13, 2024
Visit the Website for more information and to begin your application ---
Scholarship Search Websites
Individual University Scholarship Links
University of Waterloo
Individual GTA College Scholarships
Additional Scholarships
Angel Foundation For Learning Bursaries and Awards
The Angel Foundation for Learning (AFL) has eight bursaries/awards available for secondary students, who will be pursuing post-secondary education. These bursaries & scholarships are all intended for students experiencing financial need and they have seperate criteria.
Please visit the AFL website for further information and to download the application forms.
The Angel Foundation for Learning Literacy Award for Exceptional Students - $500
George Ermellini Literacy Award - $500
Spirit of Inclusion Award - $100
The Angel Foundation for Learning Library Award in Honour of Kathy Harding - $500
Bacchelli Family Bursary - $1,000
Exceptional Student Bursary - $1,000
Mary Jane McKeen Skilled Trades Bursary - $500
Murdocca Family Literacy Bursary - $1,000
Tandia Bursary - $1,000
Tom Leon Student Bursary - $5,000
The Angel Foundation for Learning Music Bursary - $1,000
The Angel Foundation for Learning Visual Arts Bursary - $1,000
“Does it take a disaster before we give money to poor countries and people in need?”
This was young Joshua Mazza’s question to his father as he wrote a cheque in support of the tsunami relief fund. When most boys his age would be concerned with sports, music or cars, Joshua had a genuine concern and a keen sensitivity for the plight of the less fortunate on our planet.
Engaged, thoughtful, enthusiastic and sincere, Joshua Mazza was a student and athlete at Michael Power/St. Joseph High School. Although his tenure was brief, he had a lasting impact on his peers and his teachers.
Joshua Mazza, died in a tragic skiing accident in March of 2006.
In memory of Joshua’s generous spirit and in honour of his ideals his family has established three distinct awards:
Camp White Pine Leadership Award
Joshua Mazza Humanities Award ( to a graduating student)
Joshua Mazza Humanitarian Bursary
We invite Michael Power/St. Joseph students who are considering participating in humanitarian efforts to apply for the Joshua Mazza Humanitarian Bursary.
Deadline to submit is the last day of March.
Please submit applications to the guidance office.