Dreaming of furthering your education without the financial burden? The Marks & Harrison 2024 Annual Scholarship Competition might be your key! This scholarship offers a fantastic opportunity for high school juniors, seniors, and current college students to gain financial aid. But how do you stand out from the crowd and impress the judges? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you craft a winning application visit: https://www.marksandharrison.com/scholarship/
Eligibility and Application Basics
Before diving in, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. The competition is open to U.S. residents or students attending schools within the United States. You can participate if you’re a high school junior, senior, or currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college/university.
The application process is straightforward. You’ll need to submit either an essay or a video entry alongside a cover sheet. The cover sheet should include your basic information, school details, a short bio, and a parent/guardian’s signature (if you’re under 18). Remember, only one entry per student is allowed, and plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
Crafting a Winning Essay or Video
The heart of your application lies in your essay or video. This is your chance to showcase your academic achievements, aspirations, and how you align with Marks & Harrison’s values. Here are some key strategies to craft a compelling entry:
- Understanding the Prompt: Carefully read and analyze the competition prompt. It might provide a specific theme or question to address. Ensure your essay or video directly addresses the prompt and doesn’t veer off-topic.
- Highlight Your Achievements: Don’t be shy! Briefly showcase your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, awards, or any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication and well-roundedness.
- Demonstrate Passion and Goals: Express your passion for your chosen field of study. Explain your academic and career goals, and how this scholarship will help you achieve them.
- Connect to Marks & Harrison: Research Marks & Harrison’s mission and values. Show how your goals and aspirations align with their company ethos. Perhaps their commitment to innovation resonates with your desire to pursue engineering, or their focus on sustainability aligns with your environmental science aspirations.
- Showcase Your Personality: Let your personality shine through! Whether it’s your writing style in the essay or your enthusiasm in the video, show the judges who you are as a person.
- Be Clear, Concise, and Compelling: Maintain a clear and concise writing style in your essay, or a well-organized and engaging structure in your video. Ensure your message is impactful and leaves a lasting impression.
Essay vs. Video: Choosing the Right Format
The competition allows you to choose between an essay or a video entry. Consider your strengths and choose the format that best allows you to express yourself:
- Essay: If you excel at writing and can clearly articulate your thoughts, the essay might be your forte. You have more control over the structure and flow of your message.
- Video: If you’re comfortable on camera and have a captivating presence, a video could be a great way to stand out. It allows you to showcase your personality and enthusiasm more directly.
Additional Tips for Success
- Proofread and Edit: Ensure your essay is free of grammatical errors and typos. For videos, practice your delivery and edit for clarity and conciseness.
- Seek Feedback: Ask a trusted teacher, advisor, or friend to review your essay or video for feedback. Their insights can help you refine your application.
- Meet Deadlines: Don’t wait until the last minute! Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical glitches.
By following these tips and putting in the effort, you’ll be well on your way to submitting a winning application for the Marks & Harrison 2024 Annual Scholarship Competition. Remember, a scholarship can significantly ease your financial burden and empower you to focus on achieving your academic goals. So, put yourself out there, showcase your potential, and conquer the contest!