Coca-Cola Scholars Application Advice

I have received many requests for advice regarding this scholarship in particular; the best I can tell you to do is to be yourself! Here is some of the advice I received or learned as I applied in 2023.

Round 1: Resume

• This round is judged by auto-culling (done using an algorithm)

• Start working on your application early; it takes a while to complete

• Coke hosts webinars with past scholars -- they are worth watching!

• The first round does not involve any essays, so you cannot set yourself apart with your (awesome) writing skills. For this round, the best you can do is present all of your activities and awards in a truthful and comprehensive manner!

• Do not stress out if any of the sections are empty!!!

  • I had 2 or more empty sections and was still able to make it past the round

  • Coke (or anyone, for that matter) is not looking for some superhero who does everything. In fact, that is likely unrealistic (and not recommended if you want to have time to sleep)

  • An applicant asked me if they should start a job to be able to add it to their application. Please, please do not do that!!

    • One of the biggest pieces of advice I can offer is to not change for any college or scholarship application

      • Even if doing so would change your chances (which, in this case, it likely will not), you want someone to select you because you're you

• Do not over-exaggerate the time commitments for your activities

  • Reviewers will likely be suspicious if you say you commit, say, 40 extra hours to extracurriculars (on top of going to school). Your best bet is to just be honest about it!

  • This will also come back to haunt you in the next round, where you're expected to discuss your activities in more detail

• When listing awards, include the biggest and most recent honors first 

• Don't use acronyms until you specify what they stand for 

  • Example: This year, I am using the Postsecondary Achievement Resources for Students Everywhere (PARSE) website! 

Round 2: Essays

• General

  • Start working on these essays early so you have plenty of time to edit and finalize them!

  • Ask someone (usually a trusted friend or adult) to proofread them for you (but make sure all the words are yours!) 

  • Bullet-point or outline your responses before writing so you know what you'll talk about in each essay (this also helps with staying under the word-count!)

• Short-response

  • Have fun with these!! 

  • Every word here should be intentional, since there is such little space

  • Try to tie these in through an overarching theme or concept (for example, if you're passionate about medicine, include STEM themes in the responses)

• Essays

  • Start with a hook! You have enough space here to actually tell a story -- take advantage of it!

• Activity descriptions

  • Highlight community engagement and how you dedicate yourself to the world around you

  • If you run out of space for activities, group them into categories

  • Talk about not what you did, but how you made an impact 

    • For example, if you were in an honor society, focus on the activities you led instead of the events everyone in that group attended

• Letter of recommendation 

  • Ask for letters with plenty of time for your recommender to write, revise, and edit a letter

  • Send your recommender information about the scholarship and the criteria they consider

  • Make sure your recommender knows you! They should be familiar with what your goals, passions, and activities are.

Round 3: Interview

First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS! At Scholars Weekend, I spoke to one of the judges. He told me that everyone who makes it this far in the competition is qualified to be a Coke Scholar. You have already beat the odds in the selection process -- this is a big deal. 

The interview gives judges a chance to get to know you! You'll be in a call with a few (1 to 4) past Coke Scholars and Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation (CCSF) staff members who will ask you questions for 20 minutes (and not a second longer -- you can and will be cut off if you go over). 

To prepare for this, I would do a mock interview. As I was preparing, one of my Coke Scholar friends called me and ran through some sample questions with me. It was super helpful to feel more confident going in for the interview, and it felt good to get some practice speaking "formally" over Zoom. 

CCSF will send you a document with interview logistics and advice; read that :)

Go into this interview with pride and confidence -- you've got this!

Advice from Other 2023 Scholars