Successful applications

Building a Personal Portfolio

Before you get started applying for funding you will want to take some time to put together a portfolio of information to have on hand when you are filling out applications.

Having a portfolio can help to simplify the application process. Here are some things to consider:

1. Your portfolio could be as simple as an electronic document where you document information that might be helpful for a scholarship application. Categories can include: Academics, Sports and Recreation, Volunteer/Community Involvement, Leadership, Work Experience, etc. The idea is to have the information you need to complete an application at your fingertips, so you do not have to recall it while you are trying to complete the application or related writing tasks. 
   
   
2. Include information about the successes and challenges involved in any of these activities. You should try to have specific information. For example, include the number of people involved, the specific roles and responsibilities you had, and the impact of the activity, etc. Being able to provide a bit more detail about the impact of the things you have been involved in could be beneficial.
   
   
3. It is important to ensure that you are representing your best self in your applications. Although it may not be easy to “boast” about your accomplishments, these applications are a good place to do so. Be sure to think about the words you will use to describe your accomplishments. 

Ideas for creating successful applications

 Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Quality of Writing: Although grammar and spelling may not be scored criteria in the evaluation of the applications themselves, weakly written applications make it difficult for evaluators to comprehend the point the applicant is trying to make in their responses. Given these are applications for support in paying for post-secondary programs, they should be well written. To help you:
   1. Use a writing support application (e.g. Grammarly) to assist with grammar, spelling, and voice
   2. Have someone not familiar with the scholarship criteria proofread your application. They should be able to clearly articulate the points you are trying to make.
   3. Read your submission aloud. If the points you are trying to make are unclear to your ear, then you might want to make some edits.
      
      
2. Responding to the given prompts: It is quite easy to start answering a writing prompt and then find ourselves quickly off-topic. Applicants who do not respond to the given prompts in a meaningful way will score poorly. Reading the prompt and then immediately reading your response can be helpful. This is another area where your proofreaders can help. 
   
   
3. Be succinct and specific: Applicants are likely to have limited space (number of words) available to respond to the prompts. Take a few minutes before writing your response to a prompt. Jot down the ideas you might want to include. Even write a rough copy first, read it, ensure that it responds clearly to the prompt, and then include it in your application. Be sure that you make clear references to the scholarship and criteria in your responses. You want to ensure that your responses are clear for the specific scholarship/organization to which you are applying for support.
   
   
4. When possible, keep a backup of your work: This is great to have for reference, especially if you are applying to several. You may be able to recycle parts of responses but make sure you are being aware of #3 above. It is always good to have a backup if anything happens to your initial application, and you need to resubmit in a hurry.
   
   
5. Formatting and document type: Be sure to clearly follow any formatting expectations and submit accessible document types. For example, if you are using an Apple device and related software, make sure that any documents you submit are easy to open for someone using Microsoft. 
   
   
6. No news is not always good news: You should receive some recognition of receipt of your application. If you do not receive confirmation that your application was received then check your Spam/Junk folder. Things will sometimes find their way there. If there is nothing there, gently follow up with whoever is administering the scholarship to ensure your application has been received. Hopefully, you will also receive a timeline outlining when you should know if you are a recipient. If you do not hear anything within the timeline, follow the same steps.

What about Referees?

Many scholarship or bursary applications may require a reference or two. It is best to have your referees lined up well in advance of when you need them. Here are some things to think about: 

1. Who to choose as your referees: Find people with whom you are not related: teachers, school counsellors, school staff, activity supervisors, employers, etc… You want to have people who can speak to your strengths and successes in various aspects of your life.
2. Make it easy for your referees: Give your referees LOTS of advanced warning. A general guideline is to give them at least two weeks before their submission is due. Most references are submitted online, but this may not be the case. Make sure that you carefully read the reference requirements (format, timeline, etc…) and summarize these for your referees so that they can plan accordingly.