How Competitive is the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship?

I'm thinking of applying for the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship and am wondering about the level of competitiveness. Does anyone have any insights on the number of applicants or the general profile of the winners?

The Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship is considered to be quite competitive. This is largely due to the substantial amount of funding it offers—the scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $12,500 per year, for four years.

While the exact number of applicants varies from year to year, it typically sees thousands of applications annually from high school seniors across the United States. However, it's important to note that the competition begins at the local lodge level, progresses through district and state levels, and culminates at the national level where the top winners are selected—so your first competition is mainly with students in your local area.

In terms of the general profile of winners, the scholarship looks for well-rounded students displaying leadership, academic achievement, and financial need. However, it is not solely an academic scholarship—rather, it considers the whole person, including character and involvement in community service. For example, previous winners had not just high GPA's and SAT/ACT scores, but also impressive extracurricular activities and history of community service.

That being said, don't let the competitiveness discourage you—if you believe you meet the criteria, it's definitely worth applying. Having a strong academic background, demonstrating leadership skills, and showcasing your commitment to community service will be key in your application.