There are many strategies for assisting students with scholarship applications. Of primary importance is conveying the value of starting early to be competitive later. If we can meet with students early in their college career and encourage them to work on the following seven areas for personal growth, there is no doubt they will become “winners.”

• Maintain academic excellence:
  Most winners of national, prestigious scholarships are students with a GPA of 3.7/4.0 or above.

• Sharpen writing skills & seek feedback on scholarly writing:
  Impress upon students the importance of sharpening their writing skills. This is absolutely necessary when applying for scholarships requiring a research proposal or essays.

• Work toward professional experiences through internships & research
  Relevant professional experiences (e.g., research, independent study, internships) help both refine career goals and demonstrate skill development and knowledge in the field. Being able to write about specific/specialized examples is critical.

• Choose wisely how to become involved in organizations & activities:
  Superficial involvement in many organizations is not helpful. Committees do not want a laundry list of every organization joined or every activity done. They want to know specifics of applicants’ involvement and what compels their participation. Have they pursued an innovative approach to a specific cause or formed a new organization or event? What is their niche on campus or in the community?

• Develop leadership skills and a record of community service:
  Students who get involved develop leadership skills. Those who can garner an enthusiastic commitment from others, who are otherwise gifted in organizing and promoting, or are good behind the scenes are “leaders.” Civic engagement and community service, the commitment to a greater good, are beneficial.

• Get acquainted with professors to obtain excellent references:
  Students will need referees who know their character, personality, skills, and ability to adapt to unfamiliar contexts. Being involved in discussions and engaged in their learning is only half the battle; the other is using their professors’ office hours to learn more about relevant research or to discuss their own aspirations. In the process, students may be offered opportunities to do special projects or research.

• Know the application process and timeline well in advance of applying:
  Students should also be encouraged to initiate the process early on as underclassmen. By sharing with them that many prestigious scholarships require campus nomination and/or limit the number of candidates nominated, they should become aware of the need to start early and to engage in the other essential behaviors as discussed above.

Our mission is convincing students that personal growth is an important component if they are to win major scholarship competitions. In the process they will develop the knowledge and skills that will make them competitive for life. If we succeed, we will be developing winners regardless of scholarship success.