Category: Scholarships

How much do you think today’s students spend annually for their undergraduate degree? If you answer around $6,000 then you are almost on the nose. According to Statistics Canada, nowadays, an undergraduate degree can set back students an average of a whopping $6,500 per year. If you think the problem ends there, think again. Not only have tuition fees increased, miscellaneous fees have as well. So that’s another $880 on top of the $6,500.

With such an exorbitant price tag, considering other resources to help fund college or university education is smart, such as scholarships. If this has crossed your mind, then pat yourself on the back because you’re on the right track. However, keep in mind that the world of scholarships is competitive, so much so that it feels like you’re training to run for a marathon, only you’re completely relying on your mental prowess, not your physical abilities ( in some cases).

A positive thing that you can hold on to is that most scholarships today are not entirely based on academic merit. There are several types that could fit your abilities and talents. However, scholarship committees usually conduct an interview with applicants before they make a final decision. So how exactly can you nail that scholarship interview and blow away your competition? Here are five tips to give you a head-start:

Make sure to research.

Nothing dims your chances more than failing to do research prior to your interview. Can you imagine applying for a position where you missed reading through the job description or learning about the company that posted the ad? It would spell trouble, right? Thus, before your interview, gather information about the scholarship committees or providers as much as you can—what they do and how they are involved in the community. Similar to impressing at a job interview, talk about specific things why you admire the organization, such as their unwavering support for literacy awareness programs, for example, or cite a previous recipient that has inspired you.

Sell yourself.

You won’t be thrilled to know this, but yes, generally, scholarship interviews share some common points with job interviews. One question you’ll most likely encounter is “Why should we choose you?” This query catches some individuals off-guard because they are not used to bragging or selling themselves. However, keep in mind that if there is a right time to toot your own horn, this is the time. Don’t be shy and happily state the reasons why you are the best recipient for the scholarship that’s up for grabs. Don’t hold back.

Do mock interviews.

It’s an idea that you’re not totally on board with because you might end up sounding robotic during the actual interview, but you’ll be surprised just how beneficial doing mock interviews can be. Practice with your friends or family, and you’ll find yourself relaxed and comfortable during the real interview even though there is a lot at stake. Be sure to add spontaneity to your responses so you’ll avoid falling into the trap of sounding like an automated message by injecting phrases such as, “That is an interesting question!” before you answer.

Dress for success.

You don’t have to go online shopping and blow your entire savings for designer wear for a scholarship interview. The goal is to make yourself look presentable without making it seem like you tried too hard or spent too much. It won’t score you any points if somehow you come across as someone who prioritizes wearing branded clothing more than your actual studies. Go for a professional, polished look that you feel at ease with.

Show your true colours.

While it’s an advantage of course to put your best foot forward for a scholarship interview, remember that scholarship committees or providers would like to have a clear idea just who they’re awarding the funds to. This is why it’s great to let your personality shine through by being genuine and honest with your answers. It’s fine to be serious about your scholarship goals, but this does not mean you need to act like a block of wood.

Hopefully, these five tips help you lessen the anxiousness on your upcoming interview. We wish you the best of luck!

SOURCES:

https://globalnews.ca/news/4414387/canada-tuition-college-resp-2018/

https://thescholarshipsystem.com/blog-for-students-families/ace-common-scholarship-interview-questions/

https://www.scholarshippoints.com/scholartips/common-scholarship-interview-questions/

Maryknoll Scholarships

Scholarship Value: $1,000

Awards Available: 6

Award Deadline: November 16, 2018

Address: https://maryknollsociety.org/publications/essay-contest/

 

TD Scholarships for Community Leadership

Amount: $70,000

Provided by: TD

Deadline: November 16, 2018

Donor: TD Bank Group

Renewable: Yes, 4 year(s)

Number Available:20

Type of Award: Scholarship

Automatic Consideration: No

Address:https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/community-leadership-scholarship-for-canadians/

 

A.O. Putnam Memorial Scholarship

1 x $3,000

Deadline: Nov 15, 2018

Address: https://yconic.com/award/A.O.%20Putnam%20Memorial%20Scholarship/B7oVNzKz9j97fbeHjVAivUhzlHRZGI7T

 

Melvin R. Goodes Entrance Award

2 x $15,000

Deadline: Dec 01, 2018

Address: https://yconic.com/award/Melvin%20R.%20Goodes%20Entrance%20Award/ehgMO2vTDfPcCKIulMq0aNedbfF4Jszs

 

Patrick Hofmann International Experience Award

5 x $1,000

Deadline: Nov 15, 2018

Address: https://yconic.com/award/Patrick%20Hofmann%20International%20Experience%20Award/hyCmaQdsrcVIAlzMMSjEbdLQcvXAx3V4

 

Everipedia Tech Titans Diversity Scholarship

1 x $1,000

Deadline: Dec 01, 2018

Address: https://yconic.com/award/Everipedia%20Tech%20Titans%20Diversity%20Scholarship/ZsKVDymTCQ2ocCCLlrSUOFgOgvKHNK1j

 

David Naylor University Scholarships University of Toronto–Scarborough ($20,000)

Valued at $20,000

Deadline: November 4  ,  2017

More info at: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/admissions/finances

 

The Leesa Social Impact Scholarship

Amount: One award of $1,000

Application Status: Open

Application Due Date: November 15, 2018

Address: http://portal.mycampus.ca/mycampusfiles/uoit/financialaid/AwardUOIT.jsp?id=2700

 

Coupon Marathon Scholarship

Amount: One award of $3000

Application Status: Open

Application Due Date: November 30, 2018

Address: http://portal.mycampus.ca/mycampusfiles/uoit/financialaid/AwardUOIT.jsp?id=2562

 

Working Parent College Scholarship Program

Amount: One award of $1000

Application Status: Open

Application Due Date: December 08, 2018

Address: http://portal.mycampus.ca/mycampusfiles/uoit/financialaid/AwardUOIT.jsp?id=2518

It’s never a good idea to leave things until the very last minute, but this is particularly true of scholarship applications.  Many students feel like they have all the time in the world to “get to it later,” but procrastinating in this way will often harm your chances of successfully winning scholarships you apply for.

Obviously, the biggest concern is that you procrastinate for so long that you don’t have time to submit any applications before their deadlines, therefore not even having the chance to successfully receive scholarships.  But even if you still complete last-minute applications, you can still have problems from waiting too long.

First off, competition for many scholarships–particularly high value ones–can be extremely high.  Though high-paying scholarships often have the most stringent qualifications, they still typically see the greatest number of applicants.  If you wait until the last day to submit your application, not only are you essentially at the bottom of the pile, but it’s possible that the reviewers have already seen enough applications to make their short list, and will only give yours a cursory glance.  Reviewers receiving your application on the last day are also likely to believe you are not invested in the scholarship, or that you weren’t interested in giving your application the right amount of effort.

Though it’s a factor out of your control, you should also consider that scholarship application reviewers are just people, and don’t have an unlimited supply of patience or attention.  This means that sometimes your application is more likely to receive the full attention and consideration from reviewers when they receive it early on in the application period.  If you wait until just before the deadline, the reviewers are likely to have seen many applications, and could be tired of reading them or, as mentioned above, already have a short list.

Everyone is familiar with leaving something until the last moment, whether it’s an assignment for school, household chores, or packing for a trip.  What everyone is likely also familiar with in these circumstances is what happens when you rush things–you make mistakes, forget things, or don’t present your best work.

The same is true for scholarship applications: if you try and rush to get them completed right before a deadline, you’re more likely to end up with a sub-par application that will lower your chances of winning any of the awards you apply for.

Plus, since many application deadlines can fall fairly close together, if you leave all your applications until the deadline, you will only have enough time to complete one or two, as opposed to completing lots of applications for lots of different scholarships.

It’s also important to note that many scholarship applications require school transcripts, references, and letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or community group leaders.  It can be hard to get these on late notice.  Many schools need at least a few business days to produce a transcript for you, and people you ask for recommendation letters need time to write them properly.  Plus, you’re asking them for a favour and for their time; it is inconsiderate to also ask them to rush through it.

The possible exception is when you only find out about a specific scholarship when the deadline is already close.  While ideally you are doing your research and planning applications ahead of time, sometimes you can still learn about a scholarship fairly late in the process.  If this happens, and you feel it’s a scholarship you are qualified for, then don’t ignore applying just because it’s late.  Instead, work your hardest to write a solid application, and politely note in your letter that you’re aware your application is close to the deadline because you just learned of the scholarship.  Don’t belabour this point, however; simply mention it and move right into describing why you believe you are a great candidate for the scholarship.

Sources:

https://www.usnews.com/education/scholarship-search-insider/articles/2016-09-22/tips-to-avoid-7-common-scholarship-application-pitfalls

https://www.goabroad.com/articles/scholarships-abroad/travel-scholarship-application-helphttps://thescholarshipsystem.com/blog-for-students-families/when-your-child-should-start-applying-for-scholarships/

Scholarships are integral to attending college or university, but many students leave applying until the summer before they start university or college.  However, your chances of successfully winning scholarships, and applying to more of them, are greatly improved by starting the process several years early.

Grade 9 & 10

When you’re just starting high school, scholarship applications seem like a distant concern–one you won’t need to worry about until graduation.  This isn’t the best plan, however.  Even as early as Grade 9, you can start researching scholarships and determining how to use the next four years to increase your eligibility and qualifications.

This doesn’t only apply to students who already know what degree they want to pursue at college or university; even students who aren’t sure what they want to study can still focus on building up great experience.

You won’t be actively applying at this stage, but it’s a good time to create a list of scholarships that you want to apply for in the future, and their requirements.  For example, many scholarship reviewers like to see volunteer work, but often it doesn’t matter what kind of volunteering you pursue.  So as early as 9th and 10th grade, you can engage in different types of volunteer work so that you will have lots to use on your future applications.

You can also join clubs at school and in your community, and look for summer jobs that will give you interesting, useful experience to include on your applications.

Grade 11

This is the year you should start looking for scholarships in earnest, and create the final list of which ones to apply for.  By starting now, not only will you have lots of time to organize yourself, but if you are missing any important qualifications or useful experiences, you still have some time to achieve them.

This year, you can also start practicing drafts of application letters, looking for examples to use as a template, and even writing what will eventually be the letters your submit.  After all, the earlier you start, the more time you have to perfect each application.

It’s also the time to begin speaking to teachers, club leaders, or community members you want to ask to write a letter of recommendation.  Giving them a heads up early on means they will have lots of time to think of great things to say and to write an excellent letter.

Plus, it’s important to note that there are usually a round of scholarship deadlines that come over the summer and fall, many of which would be for the following school year.  For example, a deadline in August after Grade 11 could be for a scholarship awarded for the start of the following year’s September, after you’ve graduated–and your first semester at college or university.

Grade 12

This is the year where you need to apply in earnest!  By this point, you should have great experience from clubs, volunteering, and employment, plus a good idea of what you want to study and which university or college program you will be entering.  That means it’s time to examine your scholarship list and narrow it down to the ones most relevant to you and your studies, and for which you have all of the qualifications.

You have the whole year, so make good use of it–and don’t leave applications until right before the deadline.  Take the time to give each application your full attention, writing great letters and making sure you don’t forget to include anything important.  Submit your applications as early as you can, so that you will be before the reviewers while they are still fresh and will have lots of time of their own to consider your application.

Be sure to stay organized, and keep track not only of deadlines and due dates, but application processes.  Especially if you have to submit your application by mail (though this is increasingly rare, and most scholarships have online submissions) make sure that you plan for a window of time before the deadline to give your application time to travel through the postal service.

Start Early, Apply to More Scholarships, See Greater Success

By starting early, you will have time to create better applications, and you will also have time to apply to more scholarships.  Both of these outcomes mean that you will have a better chance of being awarded more scholarships, and having more money to go toward your education!

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/noodleeducation/2017/03/15/why-you-shouldnt-wait-until-high-school-to-begin-your-college-applications/#336807081974

https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-application-strategies/high-school-students-investigate-scholarship-options-early/

https://www.estudentloan.com/blog/secret-to-winning-scholarships

https://www.usnews.com/education/scholarship-search-insider/articles/2016-09-22/tips-to-avoid-7-common-scholarship-application-pitfalls

Congratulations! So all your hard work has paid off and you’ve been awarded the grant, scholarship, or loan that you’ve been eyeing for the last few months. It’s a privilege that you can allow yourself to bask in!

But wait, your favourite band is coming to town for a concert? Your best friend from grade school has invited you to spend a weekend in Cabo, Mexico with her family? Your favourite athletic store has released limited-edition sneakers? It wouldn’t hurt to indulge, right? After all, you’ve earned it, plus you’ve saved up a bit from your part-time jobs last summer.

Sure, you’re only human and temptations are all around you, but if you feel the urge to spend your educational aid like you have just won the lottery, pause and take a breath and stop. Remember, you’ve been provided with the financial help for a good reason – and that is to use it to pursue your educational goals. So how exactly do you keep to your budget? Here are 3 different ways:

Put it all on the spreadsheet!

Don’t be scared of being dubbed as a nerd, the best way to keep track of your budget is to take advantage of Microsoft’s Excel program. Always make sure to have two separate columns for what goes in and what goes out. Make a list of every possible item you will have to spend on, not just fees for each course, food, transportation, mobile and internet costs, but also books and miscellaneous fees. Keep receipts as much as possible so you don’t lose track and you always have a reference point to go with.

Also consider in your budget your health and dental expenses. Seeing them all spread out will give you a clear idea of all your financial obligations and therefore keep you focused on the priorities.

Go for cost-effective measures

If you really want to stretch your grant, scholarship, or loan, keep an open mind and be ready to adapt to cost-effective measures. For example, before you head out to the bookstore and buy the required textbooks, check to see if the titles are available online for a more economical price. Also check with the bookstore personnel if they have the titles available as used books or for rent.

In addition, when buying school supplies, see if you can get friends or classmates to join you so you can take advantage of wholesale prices for multiple items purchases. When shopping for purses or backpacks, research on available thrift stores or secondhand stores in your area ahead of time. Sometimes, these shops can offer some gems and you might find a slightly used vintage one that’s perfect for carrying all your school needs. All these efforts can really go the extra mile and you’ll have more to spend for other priorities and you will be unlikely to find yourself running short.

Cut on the indulgences

Sure, a movie night-out with friends or classmates every Friday is fun and doesn’t seem big enough to cause a ripple in your budget, correct? However, remember that movie tickets cost at least $15 so that already means $60 going straight to your entertainment expenses, which at this point you can’t really maintain. It’s the same for dropping by at your fave coffee shop for a cup of latte with a shot of espresso on your way to class for $4. If you have classes Monday to Friday, and this is your habit, keep in mind that comes to about to $80 a month already.

Of course, depriving yourself of indulgences completely isn’t a good idea. However, there are ways to cut back on these so you can have more on your budget plate for the things that are more important. For example, you and your friends can take turns on having a movie night instead of going out. Sure, you may not have the latest titles on Netflix or your public library, but it’s still worth it. As for the daily coffee trips, make it every other day or twice a week at the most. Despite what you think, you can still function without coffee intake. If there’s a big exam or test coming up, coffee is justifiable – everyone needs a shot of espresso for those things.

Studying does come with the baggage of financial expenses. However, if you’re wise in spending your budget to achieve your educational goals, you’ll reap the rewards in the end, so hang in there. The designer shoes and luxurious vacations will have to wait for now.

SOURCES:

http://creditcounsellingcanada.ca/7-tips-manage-student-loan/

https://loanscanada.ca/money/budgeting-tips-for-university-students/

https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/budget-student-life.html

https://www.cpacanada.ca/en/the-cpa-profession/financial-literacy/blog/2017/august/budgeting-101-skills-for-university-students

Dr. Mirza Educational AGGA Scholarship

Scholarship Value: $500

Awards Available: 2

Award Deadline: October 15, 2018

Address: https://agga.ca/about-agga/awards.html

 

Women’s Ministries Scholarship Program

Scholarship Value: $20,000

Awards Available: 49

Award Deadline: October 15, 2018

Address: https://women.adventist.org/scholarship

 

Loran Scholars

Scholarship Value: $100,000

Awards Available: 30

Award Deadline: October 17, 2018

Address: http://www.loranscholar.ca/becoming-a-scholar/

 

Excellence in Ag Program

Scholarship Value: $20,000

Awards Available: 4

Award Deadline: October 31, 2018

Address: https://www.agro.crs/more/excellenceinag/excellence+in+ag

 

Horatio Alger Canadian Scholarships

Amount: $5,000

Provided by: Horatio Alger Association of Canada

Deadline: October 25, 2018

Donor: Horatio Alger Association of Canada

Renewable: Yes, 5 year(s)

Number Available: 170

Type of Award: Bursary

Automatic Consideration: No

Address: https://horatioalger.ca/en/scholarships/

 

Grade 12 Essay Contest

Amount: $5,000

Provided by: Credit Canada

Deadline: October 09, 2018

Renewable: No

Number Available: 20

Type of Award: Contest

Automatic Consideration: No

Address: https://cewc.ca/contests/grade-12-essay-contest/

 

Fall Frenzy Contest

Amount: $1,000

Provided by: Study and Go Abroad Fairs

Deadline: October 21, 2018

Renewable: No

Number Available: 1

Type of Award: Contest

Automatic Consideration: No

Address: http://www.studyandgoabroad.com/contest/

 

 Guelph Scholarships to Keep in Mind for the Future…

 

Clara E. Elliott Entrance Scholarship [E0095]

Donor(s): Clara E. Elliott Estate

Value:   2 awards of $10,000 (payable over 4 years of study)

Awarded: Fall

Application: Apply By Letter

Deadline: April 15

Citizenship: Canadian

Address: https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/studentfinance/apps/awards?app=awards&page=index&id=E0095

 

Roy Hindle and family with matching funding through the Ontario Student Opportunities Trust Fund

Value: 1 award of $6,000 (payable over 4 years)

Awarded: Fall

Application: Entrance Financial Need Assessment Form

Deadline: April 15

Citizenship: Canadian

Address: https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/studentfinance/apps/awards?app=awards&page=index&id=E3500

 

Ontario Section, Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology with matching funding through the Ontario Student Opportunities Trust Fund

Value: 1 award of $8,000 (payable over 4 years of study)

Awarded: Fall

Application: Entrance Financial Need Assessment Form

Deadline: April 15

Citizenship: Canadian

Address: https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/studentfinance/apps/awards?app=awards&page=index&id=E4500

With the government’s strong emphasis on STEM-centred educational programs, it’s not surprising to see why efforts to promote arts education are taking a backseat. After all, if you quickly glance at a list of Canada’s most in-demand jobs, you will see most of them require a degree founded on STEM-focused education, such as Utilities Manager, Engineering Manager, Health Care Manager, Statistician, and the like.

Still, if you are passionate about the arts, it’s only natural that you pursue a career in the arts and kick that off with an art degree. A career in the arts may not be the most coveted, but it can open doors to a rewarding and lucrative career such as an art director or a designer. Furthermore, a degree in creative fields can prove to be an advantage if one aspires to go into business because they have established themselves as imaginative thinkers and problem solvers, according to an article in The Star. It’s a valuable learning attribute.

What it comes down to is to do things that interest you, so if you are set on a arts degree, obtaining a scholarship is for sure a good way to get things started. Here are some of your options:

Abbondanza Fine Arts Scholarship

University of Lethbridge – Lethbridge, AB

With its motto built on creating and inspiring students, it’s no wonder that this university offers one of the most notable arts scholarships in the country through the Abbondanza Fine Arts Scholarship with value of up to $4,500. Four deserving full-time students currently enrolled in a Master of Fine Arts are eligible for this scholarship provided that they have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and has verifiable excellence in studio courses.

Constance McFarland Memorial Art Award

University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB

The University of Alberta is highly regarded because of its quality visual arts programs which aspire to foster creative thinking in learners, while at the same time encourage to enhance their individual mode of expression. They also offer certificate arts-focused programs for both beginners and casual artists of all levels. Through the estate of Constance Nettleton McFarland, herself an alumni of the university’s Faculty of Arts and Science, the institution awards $300 to $600 to students enrolled in the Extension Visual Arts Program who have demonstrated their creativity, skill and craftmanship, as well as community involvement.

Fine Art Student Union Bursary, Dharma Master Chuk Mor Memorial Scholarship

University of Toronto – Toronto, ON

It’s a given that this prestigious university is a huge supporter of the arts, so it’s no surprise that they provide several arts scholarships. Among them are the Fine Art Student Union Bursary and the Dharma Master Chuk Mor Memorial Scholarship. The Fine Art Student Union Bursary was established by the Fine Art Student Union and is to be awarded to students on the basis of financial need, and academic merit may also be considered. The eligible recipients should be current students enrolled in a Specialist or Major Program in Fine Art History or Visual Program in Fine Art History or Visual Studies. Meanwhile, the recipient of the Dharma Master Chuk Mor Memorial Scholarship is a student in a Major or Specialist Program in Art, and both academic and financial need are considered.

Entrance Scholarship

Emily Carr University of Art & Design – Vancouver, BC

This institution, named after the widely respected Canadian artist Emily Carr, offers arts scholarships that can help aspiring artists follow in her footsteps. The scholarships are open to secondary school students, both local and international, who have proven their academic prowess and artistic potential. Local award recipients can receive a scholarship that covers the full amount of tuition for their first year, while international award recipients can receive anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.

Entrance Scholarship, Student Scholarship

Nova Scotia College of Art and Design – Halifax, NS

Nova Scotia is well-recognized for bringing talented artist Maud Lewis into the fore, and this school hopes to discover similar emerging artists through its entrance scholarship. NSCAD has in store for future art superstars entrance scholarships ranging from $500 to $8,000, which are renewable for each of the four years of study. In addition, NSCAD also offers over $170,000 to current students provided they are enrolled in at least one semester and are in good standing.

Anything above caught your fancy? It’s time to get to work to increase your chance of getting that arts scholarship.

SOURCES:

https://my.nscad.ca/scholarship/entrance-scholarship.ezc

https://www.ecuad.ca/admissions/scholarships-and-financial-aid/scholarships-for-incoming-students

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MtoGnNkg9enTqigbGpweDYvjWXXovzaIfR2uJ-3-9tw/view#heading=h.c8l3fc14nsft

https://www.uleth.ca/graduate-studies/awards/abbond%C3%A0nza-fine-arts-graduate-scholarship

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/talent/why-liberal-arts-degrees-are-more-valuable-than-you-might-think/article34031330/

https://www.thestar.com/business/personal_finance/2015/09/07/why-an-arts-degree-still-gets-you-a-great-job-mayers.html

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/talent/why-liberal-arts-degrees-are-more-valuable-than-you-might-think/article34031330/