Thursday, April 25, 2024
Read and study the entire application BEFORE you begin writing. Follow the instructions spelled out in the information about the scholarship! Write to the criteria. In other words, be sure to address each question or section on the application.
Mail your application as EARLY as possible, even before a scheduled induction date (on/before the deadline). Late applications will not be accepted. Send the applications with a “return receipt requested” or “registered” to make sure they arrive. Watch for the email confirmation and follow through if not received within five business days.
If you cannot complete the online data entry form, type or print legibly, using dark ink. The application will be duplicated and sent to the judges – make it easy to read even when copied.
Be creative. Find ways to present yourself in a positive light to the selection committee. It is a good idea to include a statement about your educational goals. The cover letter would also be a good place to include any personal information that you want considered by the scholarship selection committee. But it counts as one of the eight pages.
Use correct grammar and spelling. If you have a problem in this area, ask your English teacher to help you with proofreading your cover letter, and any extra items you have included. When there are hundreds of applications to review, correctness and neatness become the first point of rejection. Only when the “stack” is smaller does the content of your application start to become a factor in the selection process.
Use a 9×12 envelope so that your application arrives looking great. Observe the “no staples” rule – that way your application cannot become dog-eared when staples are removed for copying.
(Minimum of two, maximum of three) Your letters of recommendation are very important. Be sure they come from reliable sources, are written on stationery with company or institutional letterhead, and are not form letters. Tell the authors to address the three basic criteria in their letters. Have your references address their letter to the DMD Scholarship Committee. This indicates that you took the time and effort to make this letter “special” for them.
Send all referenced attachments with the application, paperclipped in the correct sequence.
If a required document can not be included with your application, it must be received for the application to be considered complete – incomplete applications will not be considered by the selection committee.
While this seems obvious, you must construct your application to make it EASY for the committee to see that you have provided everything that was required. Provide items in the order that they are listed on the application.
Include a legible email address. Central Office will only email you when your application is complete.You will need to monitor the process and make sure your application is complete. Make sure that all required items have been received. The best way to do this is by following tip 7 above. AND, this is the mailing address where the winner’s check will be sent.
Keep a copy of ALL completed forms and applications – you never know when that paper will come in handy!
Be positive and believe in yourself. Write with confidence.