Tips on Essay Writing
A good essay can make or break an application. We have found in the past that students who receive scholarships have written exceptional essays; giving reviewers a glimpse of their character. Great essays include complete sentences, good punctuation, proper spelling, and an easy flow from one paragraph to the next.
When you think about it, there are many students with excellent grades, athletic accomplishments, and community service hours—essays are the only way a scholarship reviewer can get to know the real you!
Reviewers expect to read well-prepared essays and students who invest time in their writing score higher every single time. So, applicants, take your time, edit, revise, and re-read for clarity. And it’s never a bad idea to have someone else proofread your essay before you submit your application. Ask a teacher, parent, counselor, or friend to double-check your final essay to make it scholarship-worthy! Our scholarship reviewers can tell if you’ve dedicated proper time to your essays; that can mean the difference between winning big or not winning at all.
This is why, as a courtesy, we send our application essay prompts to all the local high school English teachers each year.
Documents Needed to Apply
When applying for Community Foundation Scholarships, it is helpful to have the following information on hand: class rank and class size (if you are a current high school senior), GPA, diploma type, transcripts, and you may be required to submit a recommendation letter(s).
Also, students are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), you will need:
– Your FSA ID
– Your Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
– Your Driver’s License Number
– Your Federal Income Tax Return
– Records of Your Untaxed Income
– Records of Your Assets (Money)
– List of the School(s) You Are Interested in Attending
Your Guide to College Funding
Are you curious about which funding source will cover your college costs? Here is a breakdown of general college funding sources and how they can help you afford a degree. Note: This is not a comprehensive list. You may find other funding sources within these categories or in your community.
Other Online Resources
Note: These links will take you away from the Community Foundation website.