What Makes a Successful Application for the Most Valuable Student Scholarship?

I’m planning to apply for the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship, but I'm not entirely sure what sets successful applications apart.

For those who have applied or won before, could you share what aspects of your academic, extracurricular, or personal experiences you highlighted? Also, are there any common mistakes to avoid in the application process for this particular scholarship?

Certainly, the Most Valuabe Student (MVS) scholarship, run by the Elks National Foundation, is a prestigious award, so it's good to understand how to best approach the application.

Successful applications generally demonstrate a strong profile in both academics and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships are typically awarded to students who are well-rounded, with achievements in more than just academics - leadership, community involvement, and committed participation in school clubs or sports are all important.

When highlighting your academic achievements, focus on instances where you've challenged yourself with rigorous coursework or shown improvement over time. Similarly, for extracurriculars and community involvement, discuss your role, responsibilities, and impact. If you’ve had a position of leadership, make sure to emphasize how you contributed to the organization or event, as well as the skills you gained.

As for common mistakes, many applicants often underestimate the importance of following the application’s instructions. Ensure you adhere to all guidelines regarding document formats, character or word counts, and deadline times—not just days. Additionally, rushing through the application can lead to small errors or incomplete sections which can hurt your chances.

Lastly, successful applications are typically a result of careful review and revision - it’s crucial to take the time to review your application for clarity, grammar and spelling errors, and overall coherence. It might be a good idea to have a teacher, school counselor or trusted adult review your application before submission.

Remember that this is a highly competitive scholarship and not everyone will be a recipient. If you're not selected, don't be discouraged - there are many scholarships out there, and this application is great practice for college applications. Best of luck!