Creating a Strong Award Application

Application Procedures Read the application thoroughly and ensure your eligibility. If you are unsure – check Read the application thoroughly and ensure your eligibility. If you are unsure – check Make/use a checklist of all items required: Make/use a checklist of all items required:  Deadline date  Submission procedures  Number of reference letters  Max. pages for each section  Transcripts – allow time for ordering and ensure that you have all required transcripts  Required signatures

Application Procedures - Style Some applications have strict formatting rules Some applications have strict formatting rules Pleasing visual presence Pleasing visual presence 12 point font – easily readable 12 point font – easily readable Set margins Set margins Never exceed the number of pages requested Never exceed the number of pages requested Never hand write an application Never hand write an application

Application Procedures - Style Some applications require creativity Some applications require creativity Front cover Front cover Index Index Chapter titles Chapter titles Some form of binding Some form of binding College Logo College Logo Pictures Pictures

Application Procedures - Descriptions Thesis/research Thesis/research How does it relate to the mandate of the award? How does it relate to the mandate of the award? Provide evidence of your connection to the mandate Provide evidence of your connection to the mandate Describe your research in plain language if requested in application Describe your research in plain language if requested in application Work Experience Work Experience emphasize related experience emphasize related experience

Application Procedures - Descriptions Awards Awards In some instances you may include community service awards etc. In some instances you may include community service awards etc. Publications Publications List related or important publications in the format required List related or important publications in the format required If only accepted publications are requested, only list accepted publications If only accepted publications are requested, only list accepted publications “Impressive” excerpts from publications (if allowed) “Impressive” excerpts from publications (if allowed)

Reference Letters Tips for the Applicant Request letters early Request letters early Request letters from referees whom you know will provide a positive reference Request letters from referees whom you know will provide a positive reference Some scholarships require letters from specific types of referees Some scholarships require letters from specific types of referees Provide the referee with all required information (transcripts, addresses, project description) Provide the referee with all required information (transcripts, addresses, project description)

Reference Letters Tips for the Referee Letter should refer to the mandate or objectives/criteria of the award and how the applicant fulfils concerns Letter should refer to the mandate or objectives/criteria of the award and how the applicant fulfils concerns Fill the space provided Fill the space provided Be glowing and specific; use examples of achievement Be glowing and specific; use examples of achievement

Reference Letter Tips for the Referee What makes this applicant stand out from all other applicants What makes this applicant stand out from all other applicants “Best student of 50 in the last ten years” ranks the student, but many applications have a similarly ranked reference “Best student of 50 in the last ten years” ranks the student, but many applications have a similarly ranked reference Stress strengths Stress strengths

Reference Letter Tips for the Referee If there is a description of the donor or namesake – mention how the applicant might embody that person’s vision If there is a description of the donor or namesake – mention how the applicant might embody that person’s vision Remember that a very strong reference letter may sway the committee Remember that a very strong reference letter may sway the committee What makes this applicant “stellar” What makes this applicant “stellar” Read the application and support information provided by candidate Read the application and support information provided by candidate

Finished with Application? Proof read Proof read Review checklist Review checklist Submit application package Submit application package Good Luck!

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