Tips for Successfully Winning a Scholarship

  • Read the information provided for each scholarship before getting started.
  • The new application will ask you a couple questions which determines if you qualify for any of LeadMN’s scholarships.  Once you do qualify, additional questions are asked to identify the scholarships you have met the requirements and will be listed.  From there, click on each scholarship and proceed by completing the essay questions and uploading requested documents.
  • Essays responses need to be between 300 and 750 words in length per question.
  • When writing your leadership resume, provide a summary outlining the details of specific leadership roles you have held, complete with titles and dates.  This resume should not be confused with a resume used when applying for a job.
  • Write an original answer about your personal leadership experience.
  • Think of the prompt, “if my life went perfectly, what would I like to be/do”.
  • If you had extra dollars towards your education how would that affect you.
  • Proofread your entire application and essay responses. It is suggested to have a second person read the application assuring there are no grammatical errors. English tutors are available onsite at all campuses, plus development and financial aid directors may be willing to help.

Letter(s) of Recommendation

  • Start this step first. You will be depending on someone else for this section of the application, which you should allow ample time for.
  • If the application requires two letters of recommendation, please make one from a peer.
  • Choose a recommender who knows you well, a person you trust to get the letter in on time and has good writing skills.
  • Ask them to include information in the letter about your academic success, leadership in school, and leadership in your community.
  • Follow up with them to confirm submission and thank them for their time.

Leadership Resume

This is different from a regular resume for a job, when writing this, think about:

  • Three components that represent your strengths,
  • Academic success,
  • Leadership in your school and in your community,
  • Leadership positions and roles that you have held, and length of time you were in those positions and roles.

Unofficial Transcript

  • Include school name and your student ID number.
  • It does not need to be an official transcript.