Help/Advice on Scholarship Letter

[Steve]

---  "kempermentor" <kempermentor at ...> wrote:
>
> > Chancie:
> > I'm a little confused as to what is appropriate to include
> > in a scholarship application letter.  ... Any advice would
> > be greatly appreciated!
> 
> 
> Kemper now:
> Schools are interested in your GPA but they are also 
> interested what you did to get it.  They are interested in 
> how you attained your GPA while still keeping up with your 
> son's condition.  It shows commitment and determination to
> your goals as well as flexibility and time management skills
> which I would think is something any school would value in 
> a student.
> 
> FWIW, I work with youth on scholarships (as well as many 
> other steps towards independence).  
> 
> Kemper
>

bboyminn:

First, I am a person of NO knowledge, authority, or experience
in this area. But, I, none the less, agree with Kemper. Everyone
applying for a scholarship has good grades, extracurriculars,
community service, etc.... That is what make you the same as
everyone else, but it is what makes you distinct and unique
that will capture their attention and imagination. 

You should certainly start with your basic academic outline, 
but, although I'm greatly interpreting very little information,
what makes you unique is that you have stuggled and succeeded
in spite of that struggle. That shows a level of determination
and dedication that tells the committee that you will treat
this scholarship seriously. That you will work hard to be
worthy of it, and they you certainly will not waste it or
the opportunity it provides.

Again, I'm speculating on a lot of aspects of your situation,
but I think the general flow of what I've written above will
carry a lot of weight with the committee. 

In short, it is not what makes you the same as everyone else
that matters in the end, it is was makes you different, and
more important what makes you special and worthy of this
scholarship.

I would be very interested in hearing what Kemper thinks of
this approach, since he/she is experienced in this area.

And with apologies for the 'he/she', I'm sure we cleared
this up long ago, but my failing memory doesn't reach back
that far.

For what it's worth.

Steve/bboyminn