I'm curious about the Elks Club Most Valuable Student Scholarship. Is it super competitive to get? What are they looking for in terms of academics and extracurriculars? Any tips on standing out would be appreciated!
The Elks National Foundation's Most Valuable Student (MVS) scholarship is indeed quite competitive, primarily because it's a national scholarship open to high school seniors across the country. Every year, roughly 500 four-year scholarships are given out, but keep in mind there are thousands of applicants, so the acceptance rate is relatively low.
In terms of academic achievements, while there isn't a specific GPA cutoff, successful applicants typically have higher-than-average academic profiles, given the competitiveness of the scholarship. The Elk National Foundation website cites leadership, scholarship, and financial need as the main factors in the evaluation process.
For extracurricular involvement, the MVS scholarship leans heavily on leadership roles in community service, school-related activities, or work experiences. They're looking for students who have a strong record of leadership roles in several meaningful activities, rather than a long list of minor involvements. This is a key point to make you stand out. Prioritize quality over quantity when writing about your activities.
For tips, be honest and forthright about your financial need, as this is a need-based scholarship. When writing the essay component, steer clear of cliches and show a deep personal connection to your chosen topic. Give concrete examples whenever possible to make your application more personal. Be sure to have your application reviewed by a teacher, guidance counselor, or other trusted person for clarity and grammar before submitting it.
Remember to follow all instructions and meet all deadlines. No matter how impressive your application is, it won't matter if it's incomplete or late. Strict adherence to guidelines is critical for such competitive scholarships. Good luck!
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