Nov 26: Community Fair - helping students make informed decisions about pathway choices, volunteering opportunities, and future goals.
Scholarship F.A.Q.’s
What is an entrance scholarship?
An entrance scholarship is specifically for students entering first year at a particular university. An automatic selection is made based on academic achievement. Students are NOT required to submit a separate application. Often these scholarships are not renewable.
What is a “nominated” scholarship?
A nominated scholarship is one which requires a high school’s nomination. A school is told how many students it can nominate for a particular scholarship. These “nominated” students may be chosen on the basis of academic, athletic or artistic merit, in addition to special interests, depending on the criteria stated by the sponsors of the scholarship, e.g. Canada Trust and Loran.
What are the basic criteria when applying for a “nominated” scholarship?
● Over 90%+ minimum grade 12 average anticipated
● 90% minimum average in previous completed grade 11 subjects
● Extensive extra-curricular and/or leadership in the school and/or community
What is a bursary?
Although academic criteria are certainly important, these awards are intended for students whose financial circumstances could be a barrier to continuing studies at a post secondary institution. The student would be asked to provide proof to verify financial need.
Where do I look for scholarships or bursaries?
● Check the Scholarship Board outside the Guidance office each week
● Read the scholarship section at https://www.ontariouniversitiesinfo.ca/scholarships for universities or https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/colleges/paying-for-college for colleges
● Check out any possibilities through your parents’ employment
● Check out the many scholarship websites at the end of this article
● Check out scholarship books at the public library
If my application requires a transcript, where can I get it?
If a transcript is required, it must be an official, stamped and signed transcript. This may be obtained from the guidance secretary or your guidance counsellor. Please inform us that your request is for scholarship purposes and request it well in advance of the application deadline date.
How long will it take me to complete my application?
The time required depends on the scholarship for which you are applying. It is important to read through the application at the earliest opportunity to understand the amount of time you will require. In some cases it is simply a matter of listing your accomplishments. At other times, you may be required to write a creative piece. Read ahead and plan your time to avoid the disappointment of making a rushed submission.
Should I have a prepared resume and if so, what should it contain?
It is always good to have a prepared general resume ready and up to date at all times. This resume should include: Leadership Roles, School Clubs, Councils, Out-of-school Organizations, Volunteer Experiences, Teams
Remember that every scholarship sponsor has a set of specific criteria that they use to select the winners from among the qualified applicants. So a key to winning a scholarship is to identify the sponsor’s criteria (both stated and sometimes implied) and tailor your application to those criteria.
Is my Personal Information Statement important?
Your Personal Information Statement is extremely important because it provides another way in which you can distinguish yourself. In this statement you can express your ideas, show your initiative and creativity, and have another opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities.
Can I use the same information on every scholarship application?
Certainly a great deal of the information will be the same but every application is somewhat different. It is always important to remember that scholarship sponsors are evaluating applications, not applicants. You need to ensure that your application and the supporting materials contain all the relevant information the committee needs to evaluate your candidacy. The committee only knows what your application and your letters of recommendation tell it. Write an application that highlights the aspects of your background that match the sponsor’s goals.
Who should I use as a reference?
Always choose a teacher or member of the community who knows you well and is pleased to write a letter of recommendation for you. Ensure that you have given the person lots of time to prepare a wonderful letter of recommendation for you. Provide a resume and any other information you feel would help the selected person write an effective letter for you.