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Scholarship Application Preparation Worksheet

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Scholarship Application Preparation Worksheet

Read the scenario and use the checklist, essay prompt, and timeline to practise making a thoughtful, specific scholarship application. Sample answers are provided for the fictional applicant; your own answers may be different.

Meet Harper

Harper is a high school senior who hopes to study environmental engineering. On a ferry trip, Harper notices that a crew member is sorting rubbish carefully and asks how the ferry reduces waste. Later, Harper helps start a student campaign to make reusable bottles easier to access at school. Harper tracks the campaign’s results, listens to classmates’ suggestions, and revises the plan when the first approach does not work. Harper is applying for a scholarship that values community involvement and problem-solving.

Read the application carefully

Scholarship notice: The Riverway Community Scholarship supports graduating high school students planning to study a field that benefits communities or the environment. Applicants must submit a completed form, a transcript, one recommendation, and a 400–600 word essay about a time they took initiative to solve a problem. The selection committee considers eligibility, the quality of the applicant’s examples, and fit with the scholarship’s purpose. Applications are due October 15. The scholarship does not require a particular GPA or a list of hobbies.

1.Which set lists every required item in the Riverway Community Scholarship notice?

Completed form, transcript, one recommendation, and a 400–600 word essay
Completed form, hobby list, two recommendations, and a 1,000-word essay
Transcript, interview, portfolio, and proof of a particular GPA
Completed form and transcript only

2.Harper is planning to study environmental engineering and has led a waste-reduction campaign. Which detail most clearly shows a good fit with this scholarship?

3.The notice does not require a particular GPA or a hobby list. What is the best use of Harper’s preparation time instead?

Find out what the essay asks and gather specific examples that meet the criteria
Add an unrelated hobby list to make the application longer
Wait until after October 15 to request a recommendation
Write the same general essay for every scholarship

Build a strong essay

Essay prompt: “Describe a time you took initiative to solve a problem. Explain what you did, what you learned, and how the experience connects to your future goals.” A strong response uses a focused story, concrete details, reflection, and a clear connection to the prompt.

4.Which opening is most effective for Harper’s essay because it begins with a specific moment?

“I have always been a hardworking person and deserve this scholarship.”
“At our first campaign meeting, only three students brought reusable bottles.”
“Environmental engineering is a very important subject in the modern world.”
“There are many problems in society, and I would like to help all of them.”

5.Harper first suggested putting up posters, but few classmates joined. Harper then asked students what would help, worked with the school to set up a bottle-filling station, and recorded how often it was used. Write one sentence that shows Harper taking initiative using at least one concrete detail.

6.Harper says, “I learned that listening to people and changing a plan can be as important as having an idea.” Why does this reflection strengthen the essay?

7.Which revision best connects Harper’s campaign experience to a future goal in environmental engineering?

“I hope to use the same habits of listening, testing ideas, and improving solutions in environmental engineering.”
“I also enjoy watching movies and spending time with friends.”
“My campaign was perfect, and nothing needed to change.”
“I want the committee to know I am better than other applicants.”

8.True or false: Harper should use the exact same essay for every scholarship, even if the prompts and selection criteria differ.

TrueFalse

Plan, revise, and present your strengths

Harper’s application is due October 15. A realistic plan leaves time to request supporting materials, draft and revise the essay, check every requirement, and submit before the deadline.

9.Put these application tasks in the most sensible order, from first to last: proofread and check requirements; research scholarships and eligibility; submit the application; request a recommendation; draft and revise the essay.

10.Harper’s application is due October 15. Give one sensible target date for requesting a recommendation and explain why the request should not be left until the due date.

11.Write a two-sentence scholarship introduction about a strength you could demonstrate through an experience. Include a specific action or example and explain what it shows. You may use Harper’s story as a model, but create your own response.

12.Before submitting an essay, name two checks Harper should make to improve the application.