I have been asked many times, "How did you get that scholarship?" I have to be honest...God! Just telling it like it is. But faith without works is dead! This scholarship process is not for the faint of heart! It is truly a process. I remember printing out the application in September 2007 (it is completely online now). It was 25 pages long! The longest/difficult/tedious part of the application were the essays. Note I said Essays..plural, not singular.
Before talking about the essays though, it is important to note some aspects about this scholarship:
1. ACADEMICS ISN'T EVERYTHING- This scholarship is not just about your academics. It is about how you perform academically, how involved you are in your community, and how you serve as a leader. They want a well rounded individual. From personal experience, I was a decent student; however, I went to a high school in which students were competitive with class rank. I did not have exactly a 4.0 or even or 3.6; however, I volunteered between my Sophomore to Senior years of high school more than 600 hours of community service. Not only that, I chose a few organizations that I could give my time to and get involved...Future Business Leaders of America, Future Educators' Association, National Honor Society, and Mock Trial (my senior year). I also stepped up my senior year and took on a leadership role for Future Business Leaders of America and Future Educators' Association. MOST IMPORTANT TAKE AWAY...GET INVOLVED IN YOUR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY!
2. REQUIRES A NOMINATOR AND RECOMMENDER- This scholarship requires a nominator (someone who should be familiar with your academics) and recommender (someone who is familiar with your community service and leadership). Please do not be like me and get the two confused when filling out the application! A teacher (one who likes you and can write great reviews of your academic achievement) or counselor would serve well as a NOMINATOR! Someone like your advisor of an after school club would be great for a RECOMMENDER!
3. 8 ESSAYS- There were no typos with that. There are 8 essays that you must complete for this scholarship. I could give an entire presentation or blog just about the essays alone. Take your time with the essays and DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! I waited until 8 o'clock PM the day before the application was due in the mail to start the essays. I finished the last essay at 4 AM! While I was able to accomplish this task, it is not something I would recommend. Some of the topics include your long term goals and adversity you have had to overcome. It is important to make sure your writing connects to the person that will be reading your paper. Make sure your essays are full of pathos...work on the emotions of your reader. Do not lie, but rather SELL YOUR STORY! I know several people who did not finish this scholarship application because they did not feel like writing the essays and regret it now!
This scholarship will open so many door if selected! More than 1,000 high school seniors who apply are awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship! It will cover pretty much your entire cost of attendance for undergrad as well as fund certain graduate degree programs! #TeamNoLoans It is very competitive; however, if you are one of the 1,000 selected, it will change your life! The application opens for the class of 2015 August 1. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Also make sure you share this information with those who will be seniors for the class of 2015! Visit the website for more information at button below!
Before talking about the essays though, it is important to note some aspects about this scholarship:
1. ACADEMICS ISN'T EVERYTHING- This scholarship is not just about your academics. It is about how you perform academically, how involved you are in your community, and how you serve as a leader. They want a well rounded individual. From personal experience, I was a decent student; however, I went to a high school in which students were competitive with class rank. I did not have exactly a 4.0 or even or 3.6; however, I volunteered between my Sophomore to Senior years of high school more than 600 hours of community service. Not only that, I chose a few organizations that I could give my time to and get involved...Future Business Leaders of America, Future Educators' Association, National Honor Society, and Mock Trial (my senior year). I also stepped up my senior year and took on a leadership role for Future Business Leaders of America and Future Educators' Association. MOST IMPORTANT TAKE AWAY...GET INVOLVED IN YOUR SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY!
2. REQUIRES A NOMINATOR AND RECOMMENDER- This scholarship requires a nominator (someone who should be familiar with your academics) and recommender (someone who is familiar with your community service and leadership). Please do not be like me and get the two confused when filling out the application! A teacher (one who likes you and can write great reviews of your academic achievement) or counselor would serve well as a NOMINATOR! Someone like your advisor of an after school club would be great for a RECOMMENDER!
3. 8 ESSAYS- There were no typos with that. There are 8 essays that you must complete for this scholarship. I could give an entire presentation or blog just about the essays alone. Take your time with the essays and DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! I waited until 8 o'clock PM the day before the application was due in the mail to start the essays. I finished the last essay at 4 AM! While I was able to accomplish this task, it is not something I would recommend. Some of the topics include your long term goals and adversity you have had to overcome. It is important to make sure your writing connects to the person that will be reading your paper. Make sure your essays are full of pathos...work on the emotions of your reader. Do not lie, but rather SELL YOUR STORY! I know several people who did not finish this scholarship application because they did not feel like writing the essays and regret it now!
This scholarship will open so many door if selected! More than 1,000 high school seniors who apply are awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship! It will cover pretty much your entire cost of attendance for undergrad as well as fund certain graduate degree programs! #TeamNoLoans It is very competitive; however, if you are one of the 1,000 selected, it will change your life! The application opens for the class of 2015 August 1. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Also make sure you share this information with those who will be seniors for the class of 2015! Visit the website for more information at button below!