Letters of recommendation are essential for showcasing your character, achievements, and potential to scholarship committees. Follow these steps for a strong letter of recommendation.

• Select individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths, abilities, and accomplishments.
• When requesting recommendations, offer relevant information about the scholarship requirements, your goals, and specific points you'd like them to emphasize. This guidance helps them tailor their letters to highlight your most relevant qualities.
• Additionally, provide your recommenders with your resume or a "brag sheet" so they can understand you better as a person in both an academic and professional setting.

A powerful essay can distinguish you from other applicants and leave a lasting impression on scholarship committees. Consider the following tips when writing your essay:

• Write for your audience. Reflect on the key themes and objectives the committee wants to see in applicants' essays.
• Your essay is an opportunity to share your unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Craft a narrative that illustrates your personal growth, values, and passion for your chosen field or project. Be authentic and let your personality shine through.
• Write, write, and re-write. Revise your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers to gain valuable insights and make improvements. We typically recommend requesting feedback from, at most, two people.

Extracurricular activities provide a platform to demonstrate your leadership skills, community involvement, and dedication. Here are our top tips!

• Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of listing every activity, focus on the most meaningful ones that align with the scholarship's values or mission. This allows you to delve deeper and showcase your genuine commitment.
• Discuss how your extracurricular activities have impacted your personal development and the community around you. Illustrate how these experiences have shaped your character, provided valuable skills, and fueled your motivation to succeed.
• If applicable, provide specific details – like statistics. For example, instead of saying, "I recruited students to join our club." You can say: "I recruited 50 students to join our club."

Scholarship committees seek exceptional individuals who stand out from the crowd. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a scholarship application highlighting your unique qualities and increasing your likelihood of success!

If you're a high school senior, check out our other blog post for scholarships we recommend you apply for.