Which are the most competitive college scholarships to aim for?

I'm planning on applying to some college scholarships and want to know which ones are considered the most competitive. What makes them stand out, and how can I boost my application to have a better chance?

There are numerous highly competitive scholarships, each with its respective factors contributing to competitiveness. I'll outline a few:

1. Rhodes Scholarship: This scholarship funds two to three years of postgraduate study at Oxford University. It's extremely selective due to the exceptionally high qualifications required and the comprehensive coverage of tuition, fees, and living stipends.

2. Truman Scholarship: Aimed at graduate students with impressive leadership potential who are committed to careers in public service, this program gives up to $30,000 for graduate study.

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship: For graduate study at Cambridge University, this scholarship seeks intellectually outstanding students who have a capacity for leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

4. Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs: These fellowships fund individuals committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level in the U.S. who show promise of future achievement as scholars and teachers.

5. Schwarzman Scholars: This program covers all tuition, fees, and living expenses for Master's program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, making it highly competitive.

To improve your chances with these scholarships, there are several strategies you can adopt:

Start Early: Building a strong academic and extracurricular profile takes time. Starting early gives you an advantage when it's time to submit your applications.

Showcase Your Achievements: Scholarships often want to see evidence of exceptional achievement and potential. This could include high academic accomplishment, leadership roles, involvement in high-level research, and more.

Be Purposeful: Show how the scholarship fits into your long-term goals. This reveals intentionality and gives the impression that you're likely to make substantial use of the opportunity.

Clear and Compelling Essays: Your essays allow you to showcase your personality and ambitions. They should provide deeper insight into who you are, explain why you're a good fit for the scholarship, and highlight your unique qualities or accomplishments.

References: Recommendations from teachers, mentors, or others familiar with your work can greatly enhance your application. They can provide an outsider's perspective on your talent, work ethic, and potential.

Remember, competitiveness stems from both the size and scope of the reward as well as the scholarship's selectiveness. While these scholarships are among the most prestigious, don't overlook less competitive ones—applying to multiple scholarships can significantly increase your chances of receiving financial aid.