Characteristics of a Good Candidate
Undergraduate students interested in junior or senior year scholarships
Undergraduate students interested in graduate study
Graduate students interested in ongoing funding
Students interested in financial help based on academic and community service achievements
Students willing to take their time to find their "fit"
Financial assistance to further your life's education goals
Self-identity and goal discovery
Preparation for graduate school applications
Can't win if you don't apply
Many scholarships want candidates who are well-rounded, not solely super brain power
How many awards are there and why should I go through the process?
Many big scholarships have long odds, but you can't win if you don't enter the race
Rhodes (32yr/1000 apps) Marshall (40 yr/1000 apps) Mitchell (12 yr/250 apps) Truman (80yr/800 apps) Goldwater (310 yr/1120apps) Udall (80 yr/500 apps) NSF (900 yr) Gates (35 yr/500 apps) Madison (54 yr) Mellon (85 yr/800 apps)
Excellent graduate school application preparation
Institutional nominees/finalists/honorable mentions may enhance other application's chances of success
When should I begin the application process?
Each scholarship has specific deadlines; paperwork needs to start 3 months before institutional deadline
Best odds are a result of an early start
Sophomore year for domestic undergraduate / Junior for foreign 2nd undergraduate and graduate programs
Best odds = careful transcript/volunteer preparation
Best odds = building resume through summer internships, study abroad, and non-academic development
What are scholarships committees looking for?
Honest candidates
Candidates who demonstrate strong academic ability
Candidates not just in it for the money; candidates who are looking for a broader life experience
Interesting people: people with potential and curiosity, people with the promise of leadership
Candidates who are not self-centered