SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION/ESSAY SUGGESTIONS

SUGGESTIONS FOR COMPLETION

• Apply only if you are eligible.

• Remember - Your scholarship application represents YOU!

• Give your application the time, attention, and preparation that it deserves. Complete all sections.

• Read and follow the instructions carefully.

• Type your application - neatness counts!

• Proofread your work - especially your essay, if one is requested. Be specific and personal. It is your job to make your essay stand out from the rest. Check the spelling and grammar. Ask a parent, friend, or teacher to proofread your completed application.

• Be honest and be yourself.

• If you are asked, don't be afraid to highlight your strengths and to talk about yourself. Be truthful.

• Make certain the people you ask to prepare letters of recommendation know you well

• WATCH DEADLINES - Financial aid offices and scholarship personnel adhere to them!

• You are responsible for making sure that ALL parts of the application arrive on time. If letters of recommendation or transcripts are required, give the people who will provide these documents generous lead-time. Also give them a stamped, addressed envelope if the recommendation is to be mailed separately.

• MAKE A COPY OF THE APPLICATION FOR YOUR FILE.

• Finally - Keep a written record of scholarships for which you applied. Make a note of the deadlines, requirements, and responses.

• Ask for help if needed.

WRITING THE SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY
The personal essay - This may be the hardest part of your application to complete. But, it is also the part of the application where you can stand out from the rest of the crowd. The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include details about yourself so the reader can get to know who "you" are and what you stand for. Be truthful and honest.Scholarship Selection Committees may have hundreds of essays to review. It is YOUR job to get their attention when reading your essay. Here are tips that may help you when you begin:

• Think before you write - Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and then create an outline to help you get going. Make sure that if you have to address specific questions that you express them clearly.
  
• Be original - Be creative in your answers.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. APPLICATIONS MUST BE TYPED.

  

ACF scholarship and financial aid awards are available ONLY to New Mexico residents and to those meeting specific criteria. Application deadlines vary between March and July. Awards begin with the fall semester.

 

QUESTIONS? Call the Foundation Office at (505) 883-6240
or e-mail us at foundation@albuquerquefoundation.org