What Are Judges or Scholarship Readers Looking For?

Tips for having your application read:

1. Be sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Read all of the directions carefully.
3. Highlight important info like the deadline, amount of the award, contact and any checklist that may be provided.
4. Check for grammar and spelling.
5. Be sure to include all of the required documents.  The average scholarship will need the completed application form, three letters of recommendation, personal essay, transcripts, FAFSA and/or tax returns.  Incude ONLY what they request.
6. Do not fold or staple anything.
7. When you type your essay, be sure that you have enough white space.  Your margins (top, bottom, left and right) should be about one (1) inch.
8. Personally, I prefer to have the page justified -- right margin straight (no indents).
9. Place the documents in the same order as the checklist if one is provided.
10. Submit all of your documents in a 9 X 12 WHITE envelope.
11. Type the labels for the outside of the envelope.

Remember, that your application is the first contact with judges and it is IMPORTANT to make a good first impression.