How does lodge selection work for the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship?

I've heard that the Elks MVS Scholarship involves a lodge selection process, but I'm not clear on what this actually means. How do they choose candidates at this stage, and is there anything specific I should prepare for it?

The Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship indeed involves a selection process that starts at the lodge level. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

When you apply, your application will be received and evaluated by an Elks Lodge near your home. Each lodge establishes a scholarship committee to review and rank the applications based on the scholarship's criteria, which include leadership, scholarship, and financial need.

The lodge's committee then puts forward its top applications, reflecting its recommendations for consideration at the district level. Not all applications will pass this stage; typically, lodges can only recommend a limited number considering their size or the number of applicants they've received.

At the district level, the applications will be reviewed further, and then the top applications are forwarded to state-level judging, and finally to national-level judging.

There isn't anything special you can do to prepare for the lodge selection process per say as by the time your application reaches the lodge, it is already submitted and cannot be changed. However, focusing on evidencing quality leadership experiences and demonstrating financial need effectively in your application might help. It's advised to thoroughly proofread your application and review it for completeness before submitting.

It's important to remember that the lodge's determinations are typically based on the completeness and quality of your application. Be sure to provide as much detailed and accurate information as possible about your academic achievements, leadership experiences, and financial circumstances to ensure a fair assessment of your candidacy.

Just note that the attributes that the Elks values might vary from Lodge to Lodge so there might be some subjectivity in the selection. In general, the Elks value community service and leadership so emphasizing these aspects in your application could be beneficial.