How to apply for scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries are an easy way to get free money.
- A scholarship is a financial award granted to a student for academic achievement, extra-curricular involvement, community service, or any combination of these.
- Bursaries are like scholarships, except that the major criterion is financial need.
These are different types of scholarships and bursaries:
- Entrance Scholarships: These awards are offered at the time of admission, and usually require no additional application. Most of these scholarships are based on your admission average (that is, your best six courses from your final year, including any prerequisites for your program) (Student Awards).
- Major/Prestige Scholarships: These awards are also offered at the time of admission, but require a separate application that recognizes more than just marks (CanLearn).
- Third Party Merit Scholarships: Are awards presented by an outside organization, company or group.
- Grants and/or Bursaries: These awards are given to people based on financial need instead of only evaluating a person’s marks or involvement in school activities.
- Ask your parents to see if their employers offer any special financial awards for the children of their employees (Higher Education Scholarships).
What steps should I take when looking for scholarships?
In short, research and apply for as many scholarships as you can. Don’t wait until the last minute and/or assume you won’t get it; you may be the only person who actually applies. Don’t forget to follow the instructions of an application and thoroughly explain why you should be given the scholarship. The following link is a guide to finding and applying for scholarships: Student Awards – Scholarships 101.
Why do most scholarships require a letter of reference?
Letters of reference are used to verify the information in your scholarship application. These usually include personality traits (dependability, maturity, leadership, civic mindedness, etc.) and other achievements. Here are tips for reference letters:
1. Pick different people who know you well in a variety of capacities and who feel comfortable talking about you. Also, make sure that your letters won’t say exactly the same thing each time.
2. Give your references at least two weeks notice. Remember that references are busy people.
3. Make sure that you give your references enough information to work with; it is not enough to ask them to write a letter of reference for you. Provide them with all instructions and notes on the application, a focus for their letter and your CV.
5. Make sure that your letter is typed on official letterhead or filled out on an official form.
If you are allowed to see your letters of reference, it may be helpful to give them a quick check for spelling and grammar. If you are not allowed to see the letter, have your reference seal it in an envelope, and sign across the seal (to prove confidentiality).
6. Letters of reference take a significant amount of time and effort, so thank them!
(Student Awards – Scholarships 101)
A few things you might want to mention when applying for Scholarships…
Academic Achievements
- Mention accomplishments that support your academic excellence and dedication.
Athletics
- Outline times when you participated, lead and/or were recognized for sport activities.
Extra Curricular
- Talk about any clubs, committees or arts programs that you participated in during high school.
Leadership Positions
- Mention any other leadership positions (like editor of a local newspaper) that you have experienced.
Community Services
- Talk about any service groups you took part in (Guides/Scouts/Cadets) and/or community groups.
Other
- At your discretion, highlight your achievement(s) that have not been addressed in the above categories.
Where can I check for more Scholarship Information?
- Your school guidance office is the first location to check for scholarship opportunities. Most universities, colleges and large private scholarship organizations send information directly to your counsellors.
- The Internet has a host of resources available to make your search a bit easier.
