Here are ten tips to help you prepare your application:
- The application was received on time.
- The applicant was suitably qualified to apply for the scholarship, and met all of the scholarship criteria. NSPE scholarships are awarded to students either going into engineering programs or already enrolled in engineering programs. You'd be surprised at how many applications we get for other fields of study! Also, the scholarships have a minimum SAT/ACT score. Do you meet the minimum?
- The applicant took the time to write an introductory cover letter.
- All materials and information that were requested were included in the application package, and they were assembled in the order in which they were requested.
- The applicant included at least the minimum number of teacher recommendation letters.
- The applicant used correct grammar and spelling in his/her answers and essays. It was obvious that he/she took advantage of the spell/grammar check, or had someone proof-read the application materials. Attention to this kind of detail is very important in the engineering profession. An engineer needs to write well if he/she intends to make presentations, negotiate contracts, and make a good impression on employers in the future.
- The application was very neat! The applicant submitted a computer-generated application.
- The applicant's essay clearly spoke to his/her goals as an engineer. If you are unclear about your motivation for entering the field of engineering, don't apply.
- The applicant included additional letters of congratulations for his/her special accomplishments, e.g., volunteering in the community, mentoring middle school students, etc.
- The applicant included a letter of acceptance into the engineering program to which he/she applied.