Applying for scholarships can be an intimidating process. Applications often consist of many pages and may ask for information on nearly everything that you've accomplished over the last few years. Scholarships applications will ask you to submit any of the following: activity lists, paragraphs, essays, reference letters, and teacher recommendations. Many students are discouraged by the amount of work needed to complete a scholarship application; however, the first scholarship is always the most difficult to complete. When completing subsequent applications, you can re-use the information. The following is a list of tips for scholarship applications:

• Get to know your Principal and Counselor - many applications require that you are nominated by a member of the administration at your school. If these individuals know your name and are aware of your activities, they will be much more likely to nominate you over another student.

• Try to highlight different aspects of your activities - if you excel at one particular stream such as music or athletics, ensure that participation in other fields is also highlighted. You want to be seen as a well rounded individual.

• Look at the criteria that you are being judged on - each scholarship is different - if "innovation" is one of the criteria, highlight examples that you have been innovative. Likewise, if you are applying for a soccer scholarship, it is important that you mention all the details of your involvement in soccer.

• Put a lot of effort into your application - putting more time in your application will greatly impact the quality of your application. Make sure you answer each question thoroughly, and that you carefully edit and proofread every part of your application. When you are finished, get your friends and family to read over it as well. Just a few hours of work can be the difference between thousands of dollars in your pocket.

• Choose your references carefully - there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an appropriate person to write you a reference letter. In addition to knowing your work directly, make sure that the person is able to write well, and be sure to give your references plenty of time to prepare your. If the application requires multiple references, it is often a good idea to have them from different disciplines. For example, it might better to get one humanities and one science teacher instead of two science teachers to write your letters. Also consider having a combination of references from your school and from the community. Be sure to check the specific specifications of each scholarship.

What about the interviews?

Not all scholarships have interviews, but many major ones do. For example, the Canadian Merit Scholarship has an in-person interview, and the Millennium Excellence Award has a phone interview. If you've made to the interview stage, you have been short-listed and are probably among the top 10% of the applicants. At this point, you should congratulate yourself for making is this far! Here are some tips for the next part of your scholarship adventure:

• Know your application inside out - the interviewer has read through your application carefully and has highlighted various aspects of it that he or she is not sure about. One of the main goals of the interview is to clear up these questions regarding you written application.

• Do your research - it is extremely helpful to contact previously successful recipients of the scholarships you are applying to. Their names are published, and their email addresses are usually accessible. If you have attended a program like Shad Valley, you can find some of these individuals through the program's alumni database. It is also likely that there are recipients from your high school who you can contact. These people are usually very friendly, and can provide you with some great firsthand advice for your upcoming interview.

• Go through some stock questions - there are several types of questions that are very commonly asked. These might include your career and university aspirations, your role models, and examples of times that you have demonstrated leadership. Go through these types of questions at home, so that you won't be surprised for your interview.

• Try not to be nervous - you want to appear as relaxed and calm for your interview so that you seem casual and composed to the interviewer.

Some recommended scholarships

Excellence Award:

The Millennium Foundation annually awards in excess of 1,000 scholarships valued from $4,000 to $20,000 each year. Because so many awards are given, if you decide to apply for just one scholarship, it should be this one.

Canadian Merit Scholarship:

This is the most valuable scholarship for undergraduate students in Canada. This scholarship provides 30 annual awards valued at $75,000, as well as many smaller awards.

Go back to An Introductory Guide to Scholarships Part 1

ALEX SHIPILLO has attended a number of youth programs including the 2005 Interchange on Canadian Studies, Shad Valley at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Biotrek. A graduate of Point Grey Mini School, Alex is currently attending the University of British Columbia where he is studying Biology. Alex was awarded a 2007 City of Vancouver Youth Award for his contributions to the community. Alex regularly volunteers at BC Children's Hospital, as well as at a local Shakespearean festival. He is the recipient of several scholarships including the Millennium Excellence Award and has received the Gold standard of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Alex referees soccer at a high level and enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee.

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