Bursary and Scholarship Application Tips from a College Awards Officer

The more you can share about yourself with selection committees, the better your chances of receiving a scholarship or bursary. Selection committees reviewing your application don’t know you and can’t speak with others about you, so the information you include on your application is your only chance to demonstrate why you should receive the award. Other key things to consider for your application: apply by the deadline; be precise and concise; personalize it; check each box; say thank you.

The more you can share about yourself with selection committees, the better your chances of receiving a scholarship or bursary. Selection committees reviewing your application don’t know you and can’t speak with others about you, so the information you include on your application is your only chance to demonstrate why you should receive the award.

Is there any volunteer work that you are particularly proud of? What struggles have you overcome to achieve your educational goals? Are you working part-time while also attending school and volunteering? Showing that you have achieved a school/life balance, are hardworking, and are dedicated and passionate about a particular cause can make your application stand out.

Other key things to consider:

Apply by the deadline: Most colleges have application deadlines for applying for bursaries and scholarships.

Be precise and concise: Be sure to check for proper spelling and grammar, and have someone else review your application. When listing accomplishments, use point form.

Personalize it: Take the time to acknowledge why you are applying and your future academic or career goals.

Check each box: Fill out all key information. Be sure to complete all of the requested financial information and questions. Take a few minutes to check your math. Proper information is required to be on file for all bursary applications. Read the application thoroughly and make sure you are paying attention to what each question is really asking.

Say thank you: Take a few minutes to thank the donor. After all, their gift is helping you finance your academic goals and you are an ambassador for future students. St. Lawrence College offers an extensive bursaries and scholarships program to help students pay for college. For more information about our bursaries and scholarships, www.stlawrencecollege.ca/awards.