Finding and Applying for Scholarships 101
Everything you need to know about finding and applying for scholarships in a one-stop shop!
Find quick and to-the-point advice on finding and applying for scholarships! This material is adapted from our popular webinar on the topic, which you'll find on YouTube. Here's a quick version you can refer to any time!
Glossary of terms:
- Scholarship: Academic or other achievements, may be renewable
- Bursary: Financial need, may be renewable
- Award: Accomplishments, often extra-curricular
- Grant: Often for research projects
- Renewable: Continual funding year-to-year if you continue to qualify
5 scholarship facts:
- 1. Most listings aren't concerned with grades
- 2. Many admins want more applicants
- 3. Lots of companies, unions, and organizations offer scholarships
- 4. Deadlines happen year 'round
- 5. Receiving a scholarship looks good on a resumé
What makes your unique scholarship profile:
In no particular order...
- your program(s) of interest
- what year you're going into
- extracurricular activities
- your academic average from last year
- your heritage
- you and your immediate family's affiliations: companies, unions, etc.
- financial need (overall family income)
- other personal circumstances
- where you live / where you're going to school
Finding the right scholarship listings requires:
- getting motivated
- investing time throughout the year
- keeping your ScholarshipsCanada profile updated
- when in doubt, reaching out to admins
- applying to smaller value awards
- having your documents ready
- trying various keywords and search terms
- not giving up
How to apply for scholarships:
- always read the instructions
- reach out to admins with questions
- tailor your documents to each application
Preparing your documents:
- resumé: one page, simple and straightforward
- reference letter(s): two's a good number; not from family or friends!
- personal statement, ~500 words:
- who you are
- what your goals are
- what receiving the award means to you
- and what it means to your community
- be your unique self!
Got more questions, or tips we should include? Send us an email!
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