Dannial Cardillo on his experience with CLS
From Dannial Cardillo:
So, you're thinking of applying to a nationally competitive federal scholarship? It's daunting, I know, but you shouldn't let that scare you!
I'd like to share with you what worked for me during the application process for federal scholarships, having gone through the process countless times.
1) Start early!
Keep an eye out for when applications open up and start thinking about who you will ask for a letter of recommendation if required. Ask recommenders early. Remember, they have lives just as you and I.
You'll also want to have drafts completed well before the deadline to have mentors, friends, or family review your work. Don't be like me, and wait until the day a scholarship is due to start working on your essays. Save yourself the unnecessary stress, please.
2) Utilize resources at Pitt.
Once you have working draft, you should consider reaching out to the Office of National Scholarships at the Honors College and meet with a mentor to discuss your application. I received by far the most helpful application advice from mentors at the honors college.
I'd then recommend going to the writing center once your draft is well polished to work out any issues you may have with style or grammar.
3) Discuss your unique background and aspirations.
Federal scholarships look to select finalists that represent the diversity of the United States. Think about who you are, where you come from, and how you will share your unique life experiences with others. Additionally, you must clearly articulate how the scholarship will help you to achieve your goals and why you need the experience now.
While each scholarship has different objectives and essay prompts, you should ask yourself:
- Why me?
- Why now?
- What will I do with this experience in the future?
4) Don't let rejection get you down
Federal scholarships are competitive, and you may never know the reason for a rejection. Apply every chance you get.
I was rejected from CLS three times before I was finally accepted. Rejection builds character.
Take some time off and be proud that you successfully submitted an application. Be determined to submit an even better application the next time around.
I hope some of this advice was helpful for those of you considering applying to a federal scholarship. Don't think about how competitive these scholarships are. Just put yourself out there, and submit the best application you possibly can. You might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome!