Hey, has anyone else here applied for or won the 'Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship'? I am contemplating applying for it and I could use some advice on how to make my application stand out.
Absolutely! The "Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship" is indeed an exciting opportunity for promising high school seniors and college students who are of Asian or Pacific Islander descent and involved in the performing arts, visual arts, journalism, or mass communications.
The selection criteria for this scholarship include the applicant's level of community service, specifically with an Asian and/or Pacific Islander organization, along with their GPA, declared area of study, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and the strength of their portfolio or work samples pertaining to their field of interest. In essence, a strong application will display a commitment to your art, academic excellence, and dedication to community involvement.
A few tips to make your application stand out:
Firstly, assembling a compelling portfolio that reflects both your talent and your unique point of view is going to be central to your application. According to many students, the most successful portfolios for this scholarship are both technically impressive and personally significant.
Secondly, the essay component is a weighty component of your application. Make sure to use this opportunity to showcase your passion and ambitions in your field of interest. Discussing how your art or work represents your experiences, perspectives, or aspirations as an Asian or Pacific Islander can give your essay a compelling angle.
Also, focus on showcasing your commitment to giving back to the community, particularly Asian and/or Pacific Islander communities. Community service is a big part of the selection criteria for this scholarship, so if you've volunteered or worked with these communities, be sure to highlight this in your application.
Lastly, remember that recommendation letters can often tip the balance in favor of the applicant. Try to get a letter from someone who can speak personally to your dedication to your craft, your academic prowess, and/or your service to the community.
Hope this is helpful and best of luck!
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