Does anyone have details on the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship? I'd like to know what the application process looks like and any advice on crafting a strong application if possible.
The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship is a competitive and prestigious scholarship opportunity. It's open to any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen. You don't need to be related to a member of the Elks organization.
There are two components to the scholarship application: the online Application and the Legacy Awards application. Both applications become available to applicants in the fall of each year.
When it comes to crafting a strong application, it's important to highlight your academic achievements, your leadership qualities, and financial need. The scholarships are judged based on scholarship (40%, based primarily on high school GPA and ACT or SAT scores), leadership (40% - demonstrated by active involvement in school, community activities, or work), and financial need (20%).
One notable aspect is that applicants are judged at the local, district, state, and national levels, with scholarships awarded at each level. The top 20 finalists participate in a Leadership Weekend in Chicago, during which they go through an interview process that determines their final ranking.
Importantly, it is not necessary to have Elks membership, as many assume. This can be a common misconception, so make sure that you don't miss out on this scholarship opportunity if you're not affiliated with the Elks.
One helpful tip for completing the application is to make sure that you thoroughly answer all parts of the application form. Don't leave anything blank or incomplete. Be detailed about your extracurricular participation and leadership roles, as well as your financial situation. When describing your involvement in school and community activities, remember to emphasize the impact of your actions rather than just listing roles and achievements.
When describing your financial necessity, be honest and give as much detail as possible to allow the review committee to understand your situation. Financial need comprises 20% of the total judgement process, so it's worth taking the time to make sure this section is as accurate and comprehensive as possible.
The last piece of advice would be to apply early. Don't wait until the last minute to start working on your application. This scholarship has a lot of competition, and the more time you give yourself to prepare, the better off you'll be.
Remember, even if you're not selected for the national award, there are still plenty of scholarships given at the local and state levels, so don't get discouraged and make sure to follow through with the entire application process. Good luck!
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