Tips for Scholarship Success!

I received information today on what they are looking for in your scholarship application.  Here are some great tips from the head office:

Compass USA

Published by Cindy Scarcelli · January 7 at 4:19pm · 

Pick me! Pick me! 

Many of you may know that Compass USA has a non-profit, sister organization called AILI. AILI offers scholarships to 7 teens to travel abroad. Each year around this time, the AILI in-box is filled with questions, but the one asked most is “What exactly are you looking for so that I can win?” Some teenagers are so eager, and we love it!

I’ve been a part of AILI for seven years and I am prepared to “reveal” just exactly what it is we are looking for…

1. The application should never be hand written. It is a pdf form and is easily downloadable to where you can type directly into it. Be professional. Yes, you are a teenager, but it is never too early to learn how to submit a professional application. 

2. Submit the entire application and all required documents/projects at once. Please do not send multiple emails with individual attachments. You may submit an additional file/email containing the special project. We realize that some projects are very large files. We will work with you on this one. The larger the file = more creativity. 

3. Your project…let us talk about your project. We ask that the project embrace culture or international travel. We give you some examples listed on the website, but they are only examples. Sky is the limit! Get creative! Blow our socks off!! If it is an essay, make it the best essay ever—move us! Anyone can write a few words and call it an essay. Anyone can write a simple poem and call it good. Please take your time and think this through. We’ve had everything submitted from interpretive dance to piano pieces to children’s illustration books—and everything in between. We really want to see your creative side shine through your special project.

4. The Skype interview. Everyone fears the dreaded Skype interview—but we think that is silly! First of all, be on time and have your computer ready to go. I can’t tell you how frustrating it is to have to wait while your computer updates or your camera or sound does not work. Play with Skype beforehand. Once the interview starts—RELAX. From the time we log on together to the time we say goodbye, we try our best to make you feel comfortable. We want you to be yourself. We want to see teen spirit. We want to see maturity. We truly want to see your love for culture and international travel. Ask us questions! We want this to be more of a get-to-know-you session than an interview. We are kind, sweet, fun, and easy going—so please do not fear the interview. 

That is about it. Now you have the inside edge. Have you started your application? Visit WWW.AILI.US to start. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We are very good about answering quickly. Good luck!

Thank you,

Cin