Tips for Scholarship Applicants Tip #1  READ and STUDY Read and study the entire application BEFORE you begin writing.  Follow the instructions spelled out in the information about the scholarship!  Write to the criteria.  In other words, be sure to address each question or section on the application. Tip #2  ATTENTION TO DEADLINES Mail your application as EARLY as possible.  Late applications will not be accepted.  Send the applications with a "return receipt requested" or "registered" to make sure they arrive. Tip #3  TYPE OR PRINT LEGIBLY Type the information.  If you are unable to type the application, print legibly, using dark ink.  The application will be duplication and sent to the judges - make it easy to read even when copied. Tip #4  START YOUR APPLICATION WITH A "THANK YOU" COVER LETTER Be creative.  Find ways to present yourself in a positive light to the selection committee.  It is a good idea to include a statement about your educational goals.  The cover letter would also be a good place to include any personal information that you want considered by the scholarship selection committee. Tip #5  PROOF READ ALL MATERIALS and NEATNESS IS A MUST Use correct grammar and spelling.  If you have a problem in this area, ask your English teacher to help you with proofreading your cover letter, and any extra items you have included.  When there are hundreds of applications to review, correctness and neatness become the first point of rejection.  Only when the "stack" is smaller does the content of your application start to become a factor in the selection process. Use a 9x12 envelope so that your application arrives looking great.  Observe the "no staples" rule – that way your application cannot become dog-eared when staples are removed for copying. Tip #6  LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (Minimum of two, Maximum of five) Your letters of recommendation are very important.  Be sure they come from reliable sources, are written on stationery with company or institutional letterhead, and are not form letters.  Tell the authors to address the six basic criteria in their letters.  Have your references address their letter to the DMD Scholarship Committee.  This indicates that you took the time and effort to make this letter "special" for them. Tip #7  YOUR APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETE Send all required attachments with the application.  Don't expect someone else to match up items sent under different mailings.  If a required document is not attached to the application, it will not go to the selection committee and your application will be considered incomplete.  Omissions can cause your application to be delayed or even denied. Tip #8  MAKE IT EASY FOR THE COMMITTEE While this seems obvious, you must construction your application to make it EASY for the committee to see that you have provided everything that was required.  Provide items in the order that they are listed on the application. Tip #9  CONTACT INFORMATION Include a legible email address.  Central Office may need to contact you about missing information or forms. Tip #10  COPIES Keep a copy of ALL completed forms and applications – you never know when that paper will come in handy! Tip #11  NEVER GIVE UP Be positive and believe in yourself.  Write with confidence. Tip #12  SIGN AND DATE THE APPLICATION