Anyone with insight on the Elks Lodge Most Valuable Student Scholarship?

Hi all, I've recently come across the Elks Lodge Most Valuable Student Scholarship and it piqued my interest. Do you have to be an Uber genius to get it, or is it more accessible than that? Thanks for your time!

The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship competition is relatively accessible for high-performing high school seniors. It does not require a perfect GPA, astronomical SAT or ACT score, or a long list of Tier-1 extracurriculars.

Instead, the MVS scholarship places a heavy emphasis on service and leadership. They're looking for students who have demonstrated a commitment to their communities through their volunteerism, school activities, and leadership roles. Judges will be assessing your scholarship, leadership, and financial need, so it's crucial to highlight areas in your application that demonstrate these qualities.

For example, if you've been heavily involved in your community, participated in service projects, held leadership roles in school clubs, or overcome significant financial hardship, be sure to include these details in your application. Remember, they're looking for applicants who have not only excelled academically but have also been active community members.

One of the unique aspects of this scholarship is that it starts at the local Elks Lodge level, meaning you compete with students in your community first. If you win at this level, you advance to the district, then the state, and finally, the national competition, where top prizes are as high as $30,000.

So, to answer your question, you don't need to be a "uber genius" to win this scholarship. High academic achievement is essential, but just as important are your contributions to your community and demonstration of leadership skills. Always remember to tailor your application to reflect these principles. Best of luck!