Scholarship Application Tips

1. Get organized before you begin applying.
   • First, make a list of your activities, awards, and community service. Keep it somewhere convenient so you can easily add to it when something comes to mind.
   • Next, decide who you want to obtain a recommendation from and reach out ASAP to ask if they’d be willing. You should provide the person with a resume or a list of activities and academic information. It’s best to select someone who knows you in an educational or professional capacity. Co-workers, colleagues or peers are not considered legitimate sources for a recommendation.
   • Work on your personal statement/essay. Even if you’re unsure what to write, jotting down ideas or topics you’re passionate about is helpful. The Lauzier Scholarship provides four essay prompts for the student to choose from. You can always tweak the content of your essay depending on what the application is asking for.
   • Obtain a current official transcript when it becomes available. (see more details in #6 below)
2. Correct spelling and punctuation throughout the application is key. From proper capitalization on your name and address, to the quality of the writing in your essay, every detail counts.
3. Type information neatly. Answers requiring multiple lines of text should be entered in an orderly format. Keep your answers clear and concise.
4. Take every opportunity to share information about yourself within the application where applicable.  While we value recommendations, sometimes we learn more about a student from the recommender than we do from the applicant. For example, there may have been activities or a leadership position a student was involved in, but they chose to leave that section of the application blank. We only know as much as you’re willing to share with us. Use your own voice rather than hope someone else speaks for you.
5. Essay tips:
   • Type your essay in a separate program, such as Word, then copy and paste it into the application. 
   • See item #2 above. Paragraphs and sentence structure are evaluated as part of the writing process.
   • Stay on topic.
   • Be authentic.
   • Proofread!!!  Have someone else look over your writing before you submit.
   • Alumni applicants: Don’t copy and paste an essay from a previous Lauzier application. One of the essay topics provided on the current application must be chosen.
6. Make sure to attach all pages of your current transcript. Give yourself plenty of time to obtain a CURRENT OFFICIAL transcript. An unofficial transcript is not acceptable and will disqualify the application if submitted. We require first term grades from the current academic year. These transcripts are typically not available until winter of this school year. You can get everything else completed, but wait to submit the application until you have a transcript with grades from the fall term of the current school year.
7. Submit a current recommendation as requested. Alumni applicants must submit a new recommendation with each application. As mentioned before, be sure to contact your recommender as soon as possible to allow plenty of time to get it done. Co-workers and colleagues are not considered a legitimate source for a recommendation! If you choose an employer, then it must come from a boss or supervisor.
8. Don’t stress!  Get help from someone you trust or contact info@lauzier.org if you have questions.

There are many scholarship opportunities available throughout our communities. Your educational pursuits inspire funders of all kinds to help you achieve your dreams.  Check with your school’s counseling center for a list of application links and due dates.  Also, reach out to any colleges or vocational schools you’re interested in, or currently attending, as many provide their own scholarships.  Resources and opportunities are abundant if you take the time to find them, so get out there and start applying!