Writing a strong awards submission can be a game-changer.聽聽Learn how to put together a great application package.
Remember to check each award for individual criteria.聽Some award applications will require that you submit additional documentation like:
- An unofficial transcript.
- A letter of support from a community member.
- Financial information.
- A letter or essay describing your personal goals or your contributions to the community.
Get ready to apply
Here are some things you may want to think about and prepare in advance of the application period. Being prepared will help you put together a strong application.聽
Importance of education and community involvement
Good grades are important, but awards also value students who help in their classrooms or communities. Many awards honour those who鈥檝e worked hard despite challenges to meet their goals.
Your application will benefit from reference letters written by members of your community who know and value your unique talents and contributions.
Personal goals and aspirations
Some awards ask about your plans for the future. Write down your educational or career goals and explain why they matter to you.
If you have trouble picturing the future try聽making a list, drawing, or collage of your dreams to help you write about them.
Everybody's goals and aspirations are personal and everyone is different. Be who聽you聽are.
Giving back
Awards often ask how your education will help others鈥攍ike your family, community, or Nation. Think about what you do now or hope to do in the future. Make a list:
How do you help others?
What knowledge do you share?
What are your plans to support your family or community?
Financial need
Some awards are for students who need financial help. Some award applications ask you to share your monthly income and expenses as a student. Sometimes you may need to average your expenses; for example:
- If your car insurance is $1,200 a year, your monthly car insurance averages $100 a month.
- If you get a GST credit cheque of $248 four times a year, that equals $992 for the year. Divide that by 12 and your monthly average for GST rebate is $82.60.
Keep a record of all expenses for a week, even the loonie you might give to someone. Once the week is over, figure out the average expenses for a month.
When you're calculating additional expenses, think about what it really costs to live. It may be helpful for you to write down every penny you spend for a week to get a better idea of how much life costs for you and your family. Most people who do this are surprised.
At the same time, be fair. If you are sharing expenses with someone, only write down your part of the costs.
When budgeting it's also helpful to make a list of all the special occasions you have to purchase a gift for (birthdays, special celebrations, etc.) or bring or send a gift of food (potlucks, family celebrations, etc). Add these expenses up for a year and divide by 12 to calculate the monthly average cost to include it in your expenses.
Letters of support
Ask community members or teachers to write reference letters. Give them enough time and let them know the award details. Don鈥檛 forget to thank them for their help!
