Elks Lodge Most Valuable Student Scholarship details?

I'm thinking about applying for the Elks Lodge Most Valuable Student Scholarship. Can anyone share details about the requirements and what the selection committee is looking for? Any tips or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

The Elks National Foundation's Most Valuable Student Scholarship program offers scholarships to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens. Of course, their primary focus is to find students who have displayed leadership and service within their communities, since volunteerism and community engagement are cornerstones of their ethos.

Firstly, before you apply, you will want to familiarize yourself with the basics. There is no minimum SAT/ACT score requirement, and the foundation does not have a strict cut-off GPA, but you will need to show strong academic performance. Alongside your academic achievement, the scholarship also takes into consideration financial need, leadership, and service.

When it comes to the application itself, you will be asked to detail your high school activities, including any leadership roles you've held, plus community involvement and employment. Make sure to be as comprehensive and specific as possible when describing your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments in these areas.

A big part of the evaluation process will be your essay. So, focus on writing an essay that genuinely, clearly portrays who you are, your values, and the work you've done that aligns with those values. Be it a leadership experience or a community service project, make it a point to write about moments that illustrate your character and commitment to bettering your community. This strategy might help you demonstrate your alignment with the Elks’ mission of community service and leadership.

Another thing to remember is that references can make a big difference. Since they value leadership and community service, choose people who have witnessed you excel in these areas, such as a club advisor for a service club you're in, or a supervisor at your volunteer job. You will need to request two distinct references.

The competition can be fairly tough for the Elks National Foundation scholarship program as it offers substantial rewards—500 scholarships are given each year, with top students receiving $50,000 over four years. So, use the entirety of your application to truly showcase yourself and your strengths.

And while there's no surefire guarantee of receiving the scholarship, putting in your best effort is of utmost importance and could definitely increase your chances. Best of luck with your application!