Two Truths and a Lie: Scholarship Edition

As a UCalgary advisor, I hear plenty of interesting statements about scholarships. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, which makes it hard to figure things out! You’re busy researching for your classes, so let me save you some time. Welcome to UCalgary’s Two Truths and a Lie: Scholarship Edition.

TRUTH: Some scholarship applications are easier than others

Definitely! Each scholarship has its own unique application process. For example, awards like the Rhodes scholarship require a personal statement, curriculum vitae, and up to six reference letters.

On the other hand, you can fill out UCalgary’s Continuing Student Award application between June 1st and August 1st each year. Filling out one application through your Student Centre allows you to be evaluated for all UCalgary undergraduate awards.

Scholarships can be quite a bit of work, but it’s a large pay off in the end!

TRUTH: Looking beyond UCalgary’s scholarships will improve your chances of success

Yes! The world of scholarships is BIG! External scholarships are given by organizations, companies or groups outside the University. Organizations post their own deadlines and criteria on their website. Visit websites like scholarshipscanada.com to begin your external award search.

LIE: Applying for scholarships is not worth the effort

Not true! Consider this: you spend 20 hours applying for 4 different scholarships. You are denied for 3, but win the 4th scholarship worth $2000. That’s serious cash for a small investment of time - $100 per hour, in fact! That pays way more than any part-time job and is a far better use of time than scrolling through Instagram. Scholarship applications take time and effort, but the pay-off is worth it.

Ok friends, that’s enough truth bombs for one blog. If you have more questions, you should consider attending the following workshops at the Student Success Centre:

• Scholarships, Awards and Funding Opportunities
• Personal Statements for Awards and Grad School Applications
• Curriculum Vitae Workshop
• Getting Great Reference Letters

To register, visit the Student Success Centre event calendar.