The Application:

Most of the time, one or more people will see, read, review and score your application.  It matters how you prepare your application.  Here a few things to keep in mind:

1. Follow the Directions
2. Watch Your Spelling and Grammar
3. Sloppy Handwriting

1.  Follow The Directions:
The Foundation will simply discard applications that are incomplete, missing attachments or do not comply with the stated instructions. Do not assume that you will be notified if your application is incomplete or missing attachments. It is solely your responsibility to submit a complete application.  There is no benefit to turning in an incomplete application early. 

2.  Watch Your Spelling and Grammar:
Since you are applying for a scholarship to college, there are certain expectations.  At a minimum, it is expected that you know how to spell.  It is further expected that if you are not a very good speller, you are aware of the resources available to improve/correct your spelling.

We provide you with a Microsoft Word file of the application on our Web site to help you.  All you need to do is type the answer, paragraph or essay into Word and perform a spell check.  Knowing that spell-check does not always catch everything, you should have a good speller proofread your work before you submit your application. It is difficult to compose, type, and proof your own work.  

Remember: while Microsoft Word is a helpful tool to spell check, the software cannot read your mind. The words “their”, “there” and “they’re” are all spelled correctly, but they mean different things. Don’t rely on spell-check as a grammar check.  You might also try reading your answers out loud as a way to identify spelling or grammar mistakes.  Poor grammar and punctuation will kill a great application.  

3.  Sloppy Handwriting:
This is easy to fix. Unless you absolutely have to – do not fill out an application by hand.  Use the Word file provided from our Web site.  With the downloadable electronic format you must save the file to your computer in order to save it.  (Remember where you saved the file.)  Keep in mind that some of the time when you fill in a field or textbox, spell-check may not be available.

The Essay:

All applications require an essay.  Some scholarships require a different essay.  It is your responsibility to review the requirements for each scholarship and submit the correct materials.

There are several key elements to writing a good essay. There are also several known rules when it comes to essays.

First, any and all essays or papers you write should be your own work. Anything you copy or use that comes from someone else is their work - not yours. If you use someone else’s work and do not credit them for the thoughts and ideas, it is plagiarism.

Second, you may have been told that you can write one essay and submit it for all your scholarships. This is not always a good idea.  We have several committees that read, review and score numerous applications for different scholarships. You could apply for 6 or 7 different scholarships that are actually all read by the same committee.   

If you are asked to attach or submit a specific essay, write about the subject matter that is listed.  Tie your essay to the scholarship.  If it is a memorial scholarship, what does the scholarship description say about the donor or the person named in the scholarship? How can you relate to the description of the scholarship or person?  You can use most of your essay over again but the personal touches may help it stand out.

Read and follow all of the information above about grammar, punctuation, spelling and proofreading.

The Transcript:

If the scholarship for which you are applying requires you to attach your transcript(s), you will need to obtain a copy from the school you currently attend. If you need more information, contact your guidance counselor, academic advisor or school office.

The FAFSA – Free Application for Student Aid:

Every student who wants to attend college and be considered for financial aid must fill out a FAFSA. Even if you do not think that you are eligible for Student or Financial Aid, most colleges and universities now mandate that you must complete the FAFSA. Non-Traditional students must also complete the FAFSA. Keep in mind that completing the FAFSA is a bit time consuming. You will need your most recent tax information. If you are someone’s dependent, (this usually applies to students living at home who have just graduated from high school), you will need their tax information. For more information, contact your school guidance office, your academic advisor, or visit the FAFSA website at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will need to complete the FAFSA in order to get your SAR (Student Aid Report) that contains your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) which is required for many scholarships.  The FAFSA form is available starting January 1.

The SAR – Student Aid Report:

Once you complete the FAFSA, you will receive a SAR. This report has all the pertinent information that your college, university or other institution of higher education needs in order to determine the amount of financial aid for which you are eligible.  Most scholarships at the Community Foundation require you to attach your SAR to your scholarship application.

The EFC – Expected Family Contribution:
The EFC is usually located in the upper right corner of your SAR. Colleges, universities and other institutions of higher education use this number to determine the amount of financial aid for which you are eligible.  We use it as a guide for financial need as well.

Letters of Recommendation:

The recommendations you supply should never come from people related to you.  If all of your work experience is at a family-owned business, and your mom or dad was your boss for the last 3 years, do not use them as a reference. Use a teacher, a coach, a clergy member from your church, etc. – anyone except family. 

Ideally, letters of recommendation, like your essay, should be written to reflect the scholarship to which you are applying.  It is a good idea to talk to the person recommending you about the scholarship you are seeking so they will know how to best represent you.  Simply attaching a letter of recommendation from another use (i.e. your college application) will not help you stand out with the scholarship committee.

Make sure to include people who know what type of person you are and who are familiar with your work. It is important to select individuals who know your distinctiveness so that they can provide a positive and accurate description of you.

Their recommendation of you should include:

• Their name
• How they know you
• How long they have known you