Order your transcripts early. Most universities will offer to send multiple copies and package them in individually sealed envelopes with an official seal for later use.

4              Letters of Recommendation.

A good referral is someone who has known you for at least two years. If you are applying for an award while in grad school, it is important to provide a letter from your advisor or the professor whose field of study best reflects your area of interest.

A good letter of recommendation provides concrete, behavior–based examples of your strengths and personal attributes. Most professors have written oodles letters of recommendation but if you want your professor to highlight specific examples (or if she hasn’t written a letter of recommendation before, i.e. your manager at work), provide her with a synopsis of what you want her letter to represent.

Win lose or draw, thank your recommenders for taking the time to write your letters of recommendation.

3             Personal Statements.

Write your statement with the scholarship and its review panel in mind.  Your writing should be clear and concise. Avoid jargon and technical language and define any acronyms or abbreviations the first time they are used.

This is your opportunity to personally introduce yourself to the scholarship committee. You are unique - try to make your essay a reflection of that by highlighting the most pertinent aspects of yourself and the work you are doing or will do with the aid of the scholarship.