Scholarships/Bursaries/Financial Assistance

SCHOLARSHIP TIPS

• It’s never too early to start working on scholarship info!  Get yourself organized and start pulling together important information that can help you build your application!

• The first application is often the most challenging, so be prepared! It will take time, but the effort can pay off handsomely!

• Put your “best self” forward when applying.  Make sure your application is as polished as possible (well written, well organized, thorough and complete).

• Make sure you involve your guidance counsellor and/or teacher(s) in the process as early as possible.  It’s important to seek help when writing essays, determining what to include and where to look for scholarship info.  Don’t wait until the last minute and expect to pull together a strong application.  This includes asking for reference letters, etc.

• Don’t just focus on “the big ones” – keep in mind the prestigious scholarships have fierce competition from the best and brightest students from across the country.  Many smaller scholarships don’t have as many applicants, giving you a better chance to earn money for post-secondary.

• Check out the profiles of past winners of the big scholarships (ex. Loran and TD) so you have a better sense of the types of students who have won these coveted awards.  How do you measure up to these top students?

• Avoid focusing on just the entrance scholarships.  Research what post-secondary institutions can offer for years 2 to 4 and possible graduate studies.