What do colleges seek in scholarship applications?

I’m prepping my scholarship applications for college and really want to stand out. What are colleges typically looking for in these applications? Any specific elements or experiences that can make a difference?

Sure, I can give you some insight into what colleges often look for in scholarship applications.

To start with, colleges are usually interested in academically impressive students. Having a strong academic record demonstrates a seriousness about learning and shows that you can be successful in a challenging environment. This doesn't mean that you're expected to have perfect grades, but showing academic growth and upward trends in rigorous classes can make a significant impact on your scholarship application.

Next, demonstrating strong extracurricular involvement can make the difference. Colleges value students who can contribute to their community and have pursued their interests in a disciplined and organized manner. Whether it's being a part of student council, playing a sport or participating in art festival, these experiences often add color to your application and reflect your holistic growth.

Additionally, showcasing some form of leadership is often highly valued in scholarship applications. Leadership roles demonstrate that you have initiative, can handle responsibility, and can positively influence others. If you've had experience as a captain of a sports team, a leader in a club, or a volunteer coordinator in a community service organization, definitely highlight this in your application.

On top of these, colleges love to see students who are arguably "spiky", rather than well-rounded, meaning you have shown exceptional accomplishment in one specific area. The idea is that you have spent significant time and effort to specialize in something that genuinely interests you, rather than spreading yourself too thin over a multitude of activities.

Lastly, your scholarship essays are the space where you can provide some context, show your personality, and delight the admissions committee with your story. An impactful essay is one that's deeply personal and reflects thoughtful introspection. It's not just about what happened, but more about how the events, experiences, and people in your life have shaped you and your dreams.

So to recap, strong academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, leadership positions, depth over breadth and a compelling personal essay can all help make a difference in your scholarship applications. Good luck with your applications!