To help you prepare, preview the entire application and follow these tips:
- Start early so others can complete forms/letters and you have plenty of time to write and revise. MUST BE COMPLETED BY MAY 31, 2024.
IT IS CRUCIAL YOU OBTAIN THE NEEDED DOCUMENTATION FROM OTHERS WHO NEED TO PROVIDE INPUT ON YOUR MEDICAL ILLNESS VERIFICATION, FINANCIAL STATUS (optional), AND RECOMMENDATION LETTERS **BEFORE** THE JUNE 19 DEADLINE. PLEASE GIVE ENOUGH TIME FOR OTHERS TO COMPLETE THESE DOCUMENTS, SO YOU CAN SUBMIT ON TIME.
- Read carefully, respond to the topic given and follow directions.
- Avoid predictable answers in essays and write about specifics rather than generals; accuracy and sincerity are best.
- Avoid repeating information already available elsewhere in application.
- Focus on your story, the positives and hardships are important.
- Ask someone else to proofread your entire application before you submit.
- This must be your original work.
Please note, you must work all the way through the application to the end and submit. You cannot save and go back to work on it later. We highly suggest you work on these questions below to pre-plan. Most of the application requires straight forward information. These questions may take some pre-planning:
Optional Finaicial Info: If you have received your Student Aid Report (SAR), what is your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)? Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is found on Page 1 of your SAR. If your family is unable to contribute the EFC listed on Page 1 of your SAR, please: (1) list the amount your family will be able to contribute; and (2) explain why your family will be unable to contribute the amount listed on your SAR. How to download a SAR Report
Required Questions:
List up to 6 school/community activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, etc.) you have participated in over the last 4 years. Include activities, hours per year, number of years, and the position held/honors or awards received. If you do not have enough room to list all of your achievements, please prioritize and list only what you consider to be the most important. (250 words max)
Budget: Please explain how you will use funds if you receive the grant (Please include specific costs/fees)? * (Max: 250 words)
Personal Essay Questions: (You have a choice of either writing your responses to these 3 questions below or by emailing a short 3 minute video ([email protected]) about these 3 questions.)
- What dreams/goals (career, personal, and humanitarian) do you have for your future? What specific strengths will help you achieve your goals? (Max: 300 words) *
- Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and what it took to overcome this challenge. (Max: 300 words)*
Things to consider: A challenge could be personal, or something you have faced in your community or school. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? Why was the challenge significant to you? This is a good opportunity to talk about any obstacles you’ve faced and what you’ve learned from the experience. How did it shape you? Did you have support from someone else or did you handle it alone? If you’re currently working your way through a challenge, what are you doing now, and does that affect different aspects of your life? For example, ask yourself, “Because of this challenge, how has my life changed at home, at my school, with my friends or with my family?”
3. We read hundreds of applications. What is UNIQUE about you? Why should we choose you for a grant? (Max: 300 words)*
If you are typing your essay in a Word document and copying and pasting, please ensure you are within the word limits per section. Anything over the word limit will be cut off.
MUST BE COMPLETED BY MAY 31, 2024.