1 answer
Eli
Student
Hastings, Nebraska
1
Question
Asked
259 views
What is the best way to get noticed in scholarship applications and by potential employers #Spring25?
I am a high school student looking to study actuarial science.
Login to comment
1 answer
Char R.
Registered Nurse
72
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Char’s Answer
Hi Eli,
To stand out above the rest to scholarship sponsors and employers, try looking at the organization's mission statement on their website and highlight how you share those same values/mission. This should get their attention. Another suggestion is to review the qualifications again and find which one you over qualify for, then highlight why that particular qualification would make you a very good candidate.
For example, let's say a scholarship sponsor has these requirements:
1. Need at least a 3.5 GPA
2. Must have 40 hours of volunteer experience
3. Must write compelling essay
Now, let's say you have a 3.6 GPA, average writing skills, but you've done over 100 hours of volunteering. Now, it's obvious some students will have a 4.0 and better writing skills. But my guess is many students who have the highest GPAs are spending the majority of their time studying, and might not have a lot of time to volunteer. You can use this to your advantage! While a high GPA is great, many sponsors are looking for students who can balance school and other areas of life. They know that students may have a job and other priorities during college, but they need to know that you will be able to stay in school and finish, regardless of the obstacles. Having a lot of volunteer experience while maintaining over a 3.5 GPA is a very good look! This is what you will highlight in your essay. You would focus on how you were able to balance school and other priorities, like helping others.
Good luck!
To stand out above the rest to scholarship sponsors and employers, try looking at the organization's mission statement on their website and highlight how you share those same values/mission. This should get their attention. Another suggestion is to review the qualifications again and find which one you over qualify for, then highlight why that particular qualification would make you a very good candidate.
For example, let's say a scholarship sponsor has these requirements:
1. Need at least a 3.5 GPA
2. Must have 40 hours of volunteer experience
3. Must write compelling essay
Now, let's say you have a 3.6 GPA, average writing skills, but you've done over 100 hours of volunteering. Now, it's obvious some students will have a 4.0 and better writing skills. But my guess is many students who have the highest GPAs are spending the majority of their time studying, and might not have a lot of time to volunteer. You can use this to your advantage! While a high GPA is great, many sponsors are looking for students who can balance school and other areas of life. They know that students may have a job and other priorities during college, but they need to know that you will be able to stay in school and finish, regardless of the obstacles. Having a lot of volunteer experience while maintaining over a 3.5 GPA is a very good look! This is what you will highlight in your essay. You would focus on how you were able to balance school and other priorities, like helping others.
Good luck!
Thank you, Char!
Eli