How to Create a Scholarship Application Resume or CV. A strong CV or resume for scholarships is a crucial component of your application. It highlights your leadership positions, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, academic successes, and any other pertinent experiences that demonstrate your qualifications. Scholarship committees will be impressed by your well-organised and polished resume, which will also help you stand out from the competition. We will walk you through the process of writing a CV or resume for a scholarship application in this tutorial, which will increase your chances of being selected.
1. Make a strong heading first
At the top of the paper, your resume heading should prominently display your personal information. This makes it easier for the scholarship committee to find your application and get in touch with you when necessary.
- Add:
- Complete name
- Contact details (phone number and email address)
- Address (optional, depending on the scholarship)
- LinkedIn profile or personal website (if applicable)
Make sure your email address is professional (e.g., yourname@email.com). Avoid using unprofessional usernames in your contact details.
2. Write a Clear Objective Statement (Optional)
While not always required, an objective statement can help frame your resume. It should be a brief, 1-2 sentence summary that explains your goals and how the scholarship aligns with your academic and career aspirations.
- Example:
- “A dedicated biology student with a passion for environmental conservation, seeking the ABC Scholarship to further my education and contribute to ecological research and sustainability efforts.”
Your objective should be specific to the scholarship and show the committee why you’re a good fit for their mission or goals.
3. Highlight Your Academic Achievements
Since most scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, your academic achievements should be one of the first sections on your resume. This section allows you to showcase your educational background and any awards or recognitions you’ve received.
- What to include:
- School name and location
- Degree and major (if applicable)
- GPA (if required by the scholarship and it’s strong)
- Academic honours and awards (e.g., Dean’s List, honour societies, scholarships won)
- Relevant coursework (especially for field-specific scholarships)
This section should clearly demonstrate your academic strengths, so highlight any notable achievements that align with the scholarship’s goals.
4. Showcase Leadership and Extracurricular Activities
Scholarship committees often look for candidates who demonstrate leadership skills and involvement in extracurricular activities. This section is your chance to show how you’ve taken initiative and made a positive impact outside the classroom.
- List leadership roles: Include positions such as class president, club leader, or team captain. Be specific about your responsibilities and accomplishments in these roles.
- Include extracurricular activities: Clubs, sports, arts, and other extracurriculars show your well-roundedness. Mention any awards or recognition you received as part of these activities.
- Be specific: Instead of just listing the activity, describe your role and contributions. For example, “Led a team of 10 students to organise a fundraising event, raising $3,000 for local charities.”
Showing leadership and extracurricular involvement will help set you apart from other applicants, especially for scholarships that prioritise leadership qualities.
5. Emphasise Volunteer Work and Community Service
Many scholarships value community service and look for candidates who are committed to giving back. Your volunteer experience demonstrates compassion, commitment, and a desire to make a difference, all of which are highly regarded by scholarship providers.
- Include details: List the organisations you volunteered for, your role, and the impact of your work.
- Be specific about your contributions: For example, “Volunteered 100 hours at a local food bank, helping distribute food to over 500 families in need.”
- Highlight leadership in service: If you organised or led a volunteer project, make sure to mention it, as leadership in community service is especially valued.
A strong community service record can make your scholarship application more compelling, especially for awards that focus on social impact.
6. Include Relevant Work Experience or Internships
If you have any work experience or internships that are relevant to the scholarship or your field of study, be sure to include them. Even part-time jobs or summer internships can provide valuable experience that scholarship committees will appreciate.
- List your job title, employer, and dates of employment.
- Describe your responsibilities: Be specific about your role and what you achieved during your time in that position.
- Highlight relevant skills: Focus on skills that align with the scholarship’s criteria. For example, if you’re applying for a STEM scholarship, emphasise your technical skills or experience working in a lab.
Work experience can demonstrate responsibility, time management, and other qualities that scholarship committees look for in strong candidates.
7. Add Skills and Certifications
Including a skills and certifications section is a great way to showcase any specialised knowledge or abilities you have that might set you apart from other applicants.
- Skills: List relevant skills such as proficiency in specific software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite), foreign languages, programming languages (e.g., Python, Java), or any technical skills related to your field of study.
- Certifications: Include any certifications you’ve earned, such as CPR/First Aid, leadership training, or specialised industry certifications.
Verify that the skills you list are applicable to your field of study or the scholarship. For example, if you are applying for a scholarship in healthcare, emphasise any certifications or skills you have in the field.
8. Format Your Resume Professionally
Your resume’s appearance is equally as crucial as its content. A well-formatted resume will make it easier for scholarship committees to read and assess your qualifications.
- Use a clean, professional design: Avoid overly complex designs or colours. Stick to simple fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Keep it concise: Your scholarship resume should ideally be one page. Be selective about the information you include to keep it focused and impactful.
- Use bullet points: Bullet points make it easier to skim and read quickly. Use them to list your achievements, responsibilities, and skills.
- Be consistent: Use the same font style and size throughout the resume, and ensure consistent spacing and alignment for a polished look.
A clear and professional format shows the scholarship committee that you’ve put effort into your application and take it seriously.
9. Proofread for Errors
Finally, before submitting your resume, make sure to thoroughly proofread it for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. Even small mistakes can make your application look less professional.
- Check for typos and grammar issues: Use tools like Grammarly or ask a teacher, mentor, or friend to review your resume.
- Double-check names and dates: Ensure that all names (schools, organisations) and dates are correct and consistent with your other application materials.
A polished, error-free resume will leave a positive impression and demonstrate your attention to detail.
Conclusion
Highlighting your leadership, extracurricular activities, work experience, academic accomplishments, and pertinent skills in an orderly and concise manner is essential to writing a compelling CV or resume for a scholarship application. Keep your resume brief, format it professionally, and customise it to the scholarship’s requirements. Effectively presenting your qualifications will improve your chances of making an impression on scholarship committees and obtaining significant financial aid for your education.
