scholarship reviewer scoring rubric
leadership, activities and service section
strengths and achievements
Identify and describe two (2) of your strengths (examples: positivity, idealistic, learner, developer, etc.) and/or achievements (examples: leadership activities, awards, accomplishments, honors). How did you plan to leverage these to achieve success in your future academic and career pursuits?
Things to consider:
- The applicant was able to identify by name and describe either two of their strengths or list and describe two achievements they attained while in high school, college, or in the workplace.
- Based on the applicant’s answer, it was clear to me that they demonstrated growth throughout their high school or college career or in the workplace, and have leadership potential.
- The applicant is aware of their strengths and how they connect to achieving success.
extracurricular involvement and community service/volunteerism
Choose ONE of the following to answer below:
- Community Service / Volunteerism: Explain what you’ve done to make your community a better place to live. Give examples of specific projects in which you have been involved over the last year.
- Extracurricular Activities: How has your active participation in extracurricular activities shaped your personal growth, leadership skills, and commitment to community service, and how do you envision leveraging these experiences to make a positive impact in your future academic and professional endeavors? Give examples of specific organizations, clubs, sports, memberships, etc., in which you have been involved over the last year.
Things to consider:
- It was clear to me which area the applicant chose to write about, and they fully answered all parts of the questions asked in that section.
- The applicant showed dedication and long-term commitment through continued involvement in the stated organization(s), demonstrating a likelihood of campus/community involvement and/or community service at the collegiate level.
- The applicant demonstrated growth throughout their high school or college career or within the workplace, and has leadership potential.
- The applicant depicted a clear sense of why they chose to pursue involvement or service in their stated organization(s) and a deep understanding of their impact.
essay section
career goals and plans
Describe a specific moment or experience that influenced your choice of career path. How do your current academic and extracurricular activities align with your long-term career goals? Discuss any challenges you anticipate in achieving these goals and your strategies for overcoming them.
Things to consider:
- The applicant fully answered all parts of the question asked.
- The applicant concisely connected their career goals with their academic, extracurricular and community activities.
- The applicant fully understands the challenges they may/are facing to achieving these goals, but included specific steps to overcome them.
- The writing provided readers insight into the student’s experience.
- The applicant’s writing piqued interest and engaged the reader.
current challenges and/or barriers
Describe a current challenge and/or barrier you are facing along your educational journey. In describing, explain how a scholarship will support you in overcoming the challenge and/or barrier, and outline alternative avenues you have explored or are currently exploring to overcome this challenge.*
*NOTE: References made to any of the following (see discrimination statement below) may not be used or referenced when answering this question.
DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
Bellevue University is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military obligations, or status in any other group protected by local, state, or federal law.
Things to consider:
- The applicant fully answered all parts of the questions asked.
- The applicant concisely stated their challenge/barrier, and provided details for context.
- The applicant demonstrated their ability to overcome via methods they have or are exploring.
- The applicant effectively linked what they are/have experienced to how a scholarship will support them.
- The applicant displays skills that will be useful in college and in life (ex, asking others for help, prioritization, time management, money management, utilizing resources, organization, etc.).
- The writing provided readers with insight into the student’s experience.
- The applicant’s writing piqued interest and engaged the reader.
- The applicant did not make any references in their essay to any of the areas covered in the “discrimination statement” as instructed.
partnership 4 kids scholarship
Essay section
How will the Partnership 4 Kids Scholarship help you attain the American Dream?
Things to consider:
- The applicant fully answers the question, as asked.
- The applicant has characterized their version of the American Dream effectively.
- The applicant clearly links the stated reasons to pursuing education at BU.
- The applicant’s writing is sincere and expresses gratitude.
- The applicant displays passion and motivation to achieve his/her/their dreams.
military-related scholarships
Essay section
Military Service Member: How has your military service prepared you for the next step in your career?
Things to consider:
- The applicant provided a full description of his/her military service.
- The applicant effectively links accomplishments in the military to future goals.
- The applicant shows a strong understanding and gratitude for service in the military.
Military Spouse: What are the positive aspects of being a part of your spouse’s military service?
Things to consider:
- The applicant provided a thorough description of positive influences of the military.
- The applicant effectively links these positive effects of the military to future goals.
- The applicant demonstrates a strong understanding and gratitude for the military.
Military Dependent-Child: How has your parent(s) military service positively influenced your goals?
Things to consider:
- The applicant provided a thorough description of positive influences of his/her parents military service.
- The applicant effectively links these positive effects of the military to future goals.
- The applicant demonstrates a strong understanding and gratitude for the military.
recommendation section
Recommendation request for general and financial need scholarships
Likert rating scale (0 – 5):
- Leadership ability
- Impact on others
- Commitment to community
- Disciplined work habits
- Ability to set goals and accomplish them.
- Respect of peers and/or authority
- Potential for growth
- Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral)
- Overall recommendation
Short Answer Questions:
- How long and in what capacity do you know the applicant?
- What is your perception of the applicant’s academic or professional performance/potential?
- Generally speaking, why do you recommend the applicant to receive a scholarship?
Things to consider when reviewing the online recommendation:
- Demonstrates firsthand knowledge of applicant through specific examples
- Cites applicant’s strengths
- Demonstrates belief in the applicant’s ability to succeed in college
- Recommender is not a family member, relative, close friend, or roommate of the applicant
Recommendation request for academic or merit scholarships:
Likert rating scale (0 – 5):
- Motivation and dedication
- Initiative
- Academic achievement
- Disciplined work habits
- Ability to set goals and accomplish them.
- Respect of peers and/or authority
- Potential for growth
- Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral)
- Overall recommendation
short answer questions:
- How long and in what capacity do you know the applicant?
- Briefly describe the applicant’s personal characteristics and attributes, accomplishments and leadership roles you have observed.
- Generally speaking, why do you recommend the applicant to receive a scholarship?
Things to consider when reviewing the online recommendation:
- Demonstrates firsthand knowledge of applicant through specific examples
- Cites applicant’s strengths
- Demonstrates belief in the applicant’s ability to succeed in college
- Recommender is not a family member, relative, close friend, or roommate of the applicant