scholarship application resume examples

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5 Scholarship Resume Examples for the Win in 2024

Scholarship Resume

• College Scholarship
• Academic Scholarship
• High School Scholarship
• Scholarship Applications
• Write Your Scholarship Resume

As a scholarship student, you’d be the rising star on the academic scene, showcasing your talents beyond the classroom. Your dedication to learning and passion for your field is what makes you stand out. 

Whether it’s conducting groundbreaking research or actively contributing to campus life, you excel at balancing academics and extracurriculars. However, navigating the maze of scholarship applications can be as challenging as acing your toughest exams.

Crafting a resume that captures your achievements is a skill of its own, but fear not—we’ve got your back on that front. Our range of scholarship resume examples covers all sorts of job skills and fields, showing you how to make your talents shine and get you on that shortlist.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Start each bullet point with a bang by taking full advantage of action verbs. Think about it: launching a charity event sounds way more impressive than just helping out, right? So, ditch the “helped with” for action-packed alternatives like “Conducted,” “Received” and “Customized” and watch your bullet points transform from snooze-worthy to captivating.
• Embrace numbers—always! Rather than simply noting that you improved grades during a tutoring stint, how about “Elevated my GPA from 3.5 to 4.0 in a year” or something like “19% boost in student grades” Such phrases are like a high score in the latest video game–pretty hard to ignore. Quantified wins from college projects will suffice too.
• Don’t use one generic resume for your scholarship application. Customize it to mirror the language and priorities of the scholarship. Phrases like “enhancing participant engagement and knowledge retention” and “facilitating knowledge transfer” make for excellent examples.
• Similar to mastering a role-specific tool for a job, your resume should hint that you are a master of the proficiencies the scholarship committee looks for. Did they emphasize leadership? Talk about guiding your team to victory or organizing impactful events. And if you’ve ever used Zoom for Healthcare or Pyxis Medstation for a science project or tracked student progress using Moodle, make that known.

College Scholarship Resume

• First, shake up your bullet point beginnings, swapping out sleepy verbs with action-packed ones like “Juggled,” “Generated,” and “Implemented.” These choices are good indicators of a student who doesn’t just excel academically but also exceeds expectations in the outside world.
• Tailored to the scholarship criteria, your piece should scream a perfect fit (see how a key fits a lock?) Take a leaf from Sofia’s “delivering high-quality work on time,” “updating content and ensuring accessibility compliance,” and “enhancing the overall experience for attendees”
• Remember, wins unsupported with genuine metrics don’t cut it in resumes. You’re better off with more specific statements like “maintain a 99% error-free content rate” and “22% reduction in cataloging time.”
• Don’t forget to weave in relevant skills into descriptions of your past roles or projects. Whether “team leadership,” “pipetting,” and “community engagement” or tools like “Grammarly,” “LaTex,” and “WordPress,” when well-demonstrated, they could be the missing piece of your resume puzzle. After all, sponsors are not just investing in your academic prowess but also in your potential as a future leader or innovator.

Academic Scholarship Resume

• A scholarship application that lacks specific achievements is like a play missing its finale. Notice how Alex drops gems like “collected data from 94 participants” or “reduced dropout rates by 14%” and “resulting in a 27% increase in accessibility for students with diverse needs”? Such is the material reserved for winners.
• Kick off each bullet point with action-packed verbs like “Designed,” “integrated,” and “Collected” to craft a vivid picture of the future leader, innovator, or researcher the scholarship committee is on the hunt for.
• Let not your proficiencies just in the ‘Skills’ section. Add stories of how you’ve applied critical thinking, problem-solving, or public speaking. Or how you’re adept with software like Zoom, Moodle Google Classroom, and Google Sheets.
• Now, for the grand slam, personalize your pursuits to echo the scholarship’s themes or values. Let’s say the committee values leadership; detailing how you chaired the student council and organized community service events ties it all together neatly. Other strokes of genius here include “distribution of research materials” and “including those with disabilities.”

High School Scholarship Resume

• Showcasing your school projects as pivotal learning and achievement milestones is a game-changer. But those wins are better backed up with numbers. Phrases like “leading to a 59 kilo increase in the yield of vegetables and fruits” or “800+ students and faculty members” will suffice.
• A high school scholarship resume that reflects the scholarship’s goals is like a tailored suit at an interview–it just fits. Highlighting “integrating vibrant color schemes and visually engaging graphics,” especially if the scholarship emphasizes technology, positions you as the ideal candidate with aligned interests and initiatives.
• Being proficient in skills relevant to your high school endeavors isn’t just cool. But don’t just say it. Showing it with vivid statements like “Utilized Adobe InDesign to design captivating layouts” or “Conducted soil tests using SDA software” is what sets you apart.
• Remember, snappy action verbs at the beginning of each bullet point (cue “Distributed,” Implemented,” “Gathered,” and “Conducted”) are your secret sauce in scholarship resume writing. Use them to present yourself as a proactive, forward-thinking student.

Scholarship Applications Resume

• Action verbs like “Collaborated,” “Maintained,” “Conducted,” and “Identified” infuse your resume with energy, serving as hardcore evidence of your can-do attitude and result orientation.
• You see those metrics in Ryan’s resume? Cue “reducing scheduling conflicts by 31%” and “reducing unnecessary daily expenses by $324.” Such are your success taking center stage and could be your golden ticket to nabbing that scholarship you’re eyeing.
• Don’t hit the “Submit” button until you are sure your resume fits the scholarship requirements and ethos like a glove. If the institution is scouting talent with an eagle eye for detail and a knack for organizational wizardry, how about spotlighting where you channeled those same skills to optimize room layouts or improve cleaning quality and consistency?
• As for the skills, it’s less about name-dropping them and more about framing them as valuable experiences that have equipped you for success in academic and even career aspirations. For inspiration, notice how Ryan details his real-world applications of tools like Spotless, Floorplanner, RescueTine, and Evernote.

Related resume examples

• College student
• High school student
• Grad school

Tailor Your Scholarship Resume to Fit the School or College

There are lots of different parts to a scholarship application, and your resume is where you can showcase the palette of skills that set you apart. If your focus is on research, highlight the methodologies, tools, and analytical skills you’ve honed. 

In technical fields, like STEM, showcase specific software, methodologies, or programming languages you’ve mastered.

You can leave most soft skills out for now, as they’re better demonstrated in the experience section than listed here. Since you’re probably applying to multiple schools, remember to tailor each application to the school and its focus. 

Need a few ideas?

15 popular scholarship skills

• Research Methodologies
• Academic Writing
• Microsoft Office
• Public Speaking
• Project Management 
• Subject-Based Skills
• Technical Writing
• Google Sheets
• Critical Thinking

Your scholarship work experience bullet points

From leading research projects to contributing groundbreaking findings, your resume should be filled to the brim with your most stand-out achievements. Whether it’s academic work, volunteer and extracurricular work, or a part-time job, it’s all relevant! 

For extra effect, use metrics to quantify your success. You could mention the number of satisfied clients or customers, publications you’ve authored, or classroom projects you’ve successfully completed.

No matter your role, emphasize how your efforts elevated the projects you’ve participated in. Make your accomplishments shine through, like guiding a team or improving efficiency. 

• If you’ve worked as a tutor, show your impact with metrics on student performance improvement.
• If you’ve worked in hospitality or other part-time areas, use metrics that demonstrate your success in improving efficiency and customer satisfaction. 
• If you’ve taken part in school committee roles, quantify the impact of your projects, such as sharing the number of attendees or participants. 
• If you have written professionally, demonstrate your experience by sharing the number of pieces you’ve written and published, as well as their focus.

See what we mean?

• Secured repeat business from 81% of clients due to outstanding performance
• Conducted 17 one-on-one online tutoring sessions per week, achieving an average student performance improvement rate of 23%
• Collaborated with a team of 8 peers, including photographers, writers, and editors, to plan and execute the school yearbook project
• Collaborated with the housekeeping team to create and maintain a Google Calendar schedule, reducing scheduling conflicts by 31% and ensuring optimal coverage during peak periods

9 active verbs to start your scholarship work experience bullet points

• Revitalized
• Implemented
• Facilitated 
• Collaborated

3 Tips for Writing a Scholarship Resume With Limited Experience

• Showcase high GPA, relevant coursework, and any academic awards or honors. This not only reflects your dedication to academic excellence but also demonstrates your commitment to your chosen field of study.
• Tailor your resume to the scholarship by including hobbies and interests that align with your academic goals. If you’re applying for a science or arts scholarship, mention relevant extracurricular activities or personal projects. This provides a holistic view of your interests and showcases how they contribute to your overall academic profile.
• Even if you haven’t had formal work experience , showcase leadership skills through involvement in school committees, clubs, or community projects. Highlight roles where you took the initiative, organized events, or contributed to the success of group efforts. 

3 Tips for Writing a Scholarship Resume With Plenty of Experience

• Analyze the scholarship criteria and emphasize skills and experiences that directly match. Whether it’s language proficiency, technical skills, or leadership abilities, tailor your resume to showcase the qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the scholarship.
• Chronological formats are always the best, emphasizing academic projects, coursework, and relevant extracurricular activities. Use a clean and professional design that facilitates easy reading, allowing scholarship committees to quickly grasp the depth of your academic prowess.
• Showcase your commitment to staying current by highlighting recent certifications, participation in relevant conferences, or contributions to academic projects. This reflects your dedication to staying current in your chosen field of study.

It’s often a good idea. If you choose to include one, make it specific to the school you’re applying to, highlighting your academic goals, achievements, and how the scholarship aligns with your future academic endeavors.

Definitely! If there are certifications directly related to your field of study or research, mention them to showcase your dedication to staying current in your academic discipline.

Analyze the scholarship description and emphasize skills that directly match its focus. Whether it’s proficiency in SPSS and Matlab or an in-depth knowledge of classic literature, tailor your resume to reflect the qualities sought by the scholarship committee.

• Career Blog

Scholarship Resume Guide with 5 Examples for 2024

As a student, you already know how important scholarships are to help finance your education. But did you know that a well-written scholarship resume can be the key to unlocking those coveted funds? A scholarship resume is a document that highlights your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. It serves as a way for scholarship committees to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores.

In today’s competitive academic landscape, a standout scholarship resume could be the thing that sets you apart from hundreds of other applicants. Without it, you could be missing out on potential scholarships and opportunities to further your education.

Purpose of the Guide

The purpose of this guide is to help you create a scholarship resume that will grab the attention of scholarship committees and increase your chances of receiving funding. We’ll provide you with tips and examples that will help you craft a winning resume that showcases your accomplishments and unique qualities.

Furthermore, we understand that writing a scholarship resume can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve created this guide to simplify the process and make it easier for you to put your best foot forward. Whether you’re a high school student planning for college or a current college student looking for additional funding, this guide will provide you with the tools you need to succeed.

Understanding Scholarship Resume

A. definition.

A scholarship resume is a document that shows an overview of your academic, professional, and personal achievements to increase your chances of winning a scholarship.

B. Components

A scholarship resume comprises various components that summarize your experiences in Education, Work, Leadership, Volunteering, Awards, and Extracurricular activities.

1. Contact Information

This component includes your name, phone number, email address, physical address, and any other relevant contact details.

2. Academic Background

This section outlines your educational history, including your high school and any college attended, GPA, and academic honors, and transcripts.

3. Work Experience

Here at the job skills that you have acquired in your past, such as internships, part-time or full-time work experience, the industries you have worked, the type of skills, and the tools that you have acquired.

4. Leadership Experience

Listing down leadership activity that you have done to showcase your ability to work and lead a group of people.

5. Volunteering Experience

This section shows the different activities you have participated in during your time spent volunteering for a charitable organization to show your commitment to your belief.

6. Awards and Honors

This details all of the awards and honors that you have received such as scholarship grants, academic awards, or any awards that you have won.

7. Extracurricular Activities

Here you can showcase your hobbies and interests that show the admissions panel that you are more than just a student, but a well-rounded person. Demonstrating creativity, problem-solving and socialization.

A scholarship resume is vital in obtaining funding to continue education. By providing proof of achievement, work experience, volunteer work, leadership roles, academic honors, and personal interests. Creating a comprehensive scholarship resume shows your qualifications, potential, and dedication to your goals.

Creating an Impressive Scholarship Resume

Scholarship resumes are not the same as regular resumes. A scholarship resume is specifically designed to showcase your academic and extracurricular achievements in a way that will make you stand out from other applicants.

To tailor your resume for scholarship applications, provide detailed examples of your accomplishments, leadership experience, and community involvement. Be sure to include any relevant coursework or research projects to demonstrate your academic achievements.

Highlight your achievements and accomplishments by using action verbs and quantitative data. Use strong, descriptive language to show how your experiences have prepared you for the scholarship you are applying for.

When formatting your scholarship resume, keep in mind that it should be concise and easy to read. One page is usually recommended, but make sure to include all relevant information. Avoid using fancy fonts and colors that may distract from the content of the resume.

The elements of a winning scholarship resume include authenticity, clear and concise statements, persuasive language, and precision. Be genuine in your writing and focus on your strengths while highlighting how you can contribute to the scholarship program or organization.

Your scholarship resume should showcase your unique qualifications and experiences and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the scholarship. Aim for precision and clarity, to make sure you highlight all the important details.

Designing your Scholarship Resume

When it comes to your scholarship resume, creating a visually appealing design can make all the difference. Here are some factors to consider:

A. Visual Appearance

Font size and style : Stick to a professional and easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Use font size 10-12 for the body text and slightly larger for headings.

Margins and Spacing : Keep margins at 1 inch and use consistent spacing throughout the document.

Colors : Minimal use of colors is recommended. Stick to a simple color scheme of black, white and a maximum of one other color.

Layout : There are three main types of resume layouts to choose from:

a.  Chronological : This format lists your work and educational experiences in reverse-chronological order, starting from your most recent experience. b.  Combination : This format combines both your skills and work experiences together. It’s a great choice if you don’t have a lot of work experience. c.  Functional : This format focuses more on your skills and accomplishments rather than your work experience.

B. Tips for a professional look

• Review formatting rules : Double check for consistency in font, spacing, margins, and layout.
• Use bullet points : It’s an effective way to organize information and it makes your resume visually appealing.
• Avoid slang and abbreviations : Stick to professional language throughout your resume.
• Headers and Footers : Include your name and page numbers on each page to make it easy to follow and reference.

By considering these visual design elements and following the provided tips, your scholarship resume will have a professional and polished appearance, effectively showcasing your skills, experiences, and achievements to potential scholarship providers.

Scholarship Resume Examples

Scholarship resumes are essential documents that showcase a student’s academic achievements, community service, and extracurricular activities. In this section, we’ve provided five different scholarship resume templates to help students get started on creating their own.

A. Sample Resume Template for Beginners

For those just starting in high school or college, it can be challenging to create a scholarship resume without any prior experience. This sample template includes sections such as education, skills, and extracurricular activities to help beginners get started.

123 Main Street, City, State | (555) 123-4567 | [email protected]

High School Diploma | City High School, City, State | Year

• Communication Skills
• Time Management
• Computer Proficiency
• Problem-Solving

Extracurricular Activities

• Member, School Debate Club
• Volunteer, Local Animal Shelter
• Participant, Science Fair

B. Sample Resume Template for High School Students

High school students looking to apply for scholarships often require a more detailed resume. This sample template includes sections for GPA, standardized test scores, and leadership experience to help high school students stand out in their scholarship applications.

• Overall GPA: X.XX
• Weighted GPA: X.XX

Standardized Test Scores

Leadership Experience

• President, Student Council
• Captain, Varsity Soccer Team
• Volunteer Coordinator, Community Service Club

C. Sample Resume Template for College Students

College students have more experience to draw from, making their scholarship resumes more comprehensive. This sample template includes sections for research experience, coursework, and professional experience to help college students showcase their diverse skills and accomplishments.

Bachelor of Science in [Major] | University Name, City, State | Year

Research Experience

• Research Assistant, Department of [Department Name], University Name
• Published Research Paper: Title of Paper
• [Course 1]: Course Description
• [Course 2]: Course Description
• [Course 3]: Course Description

Professional Experience

• Intern, Company Name
• Part-time Job, Company Name

D. Sample Resume for Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships often have specific criteria for selection, such as a high GPA or academic achievements. This sample resume is tailored for academic scholarships and includes sections for honors and awards, research experience, and relevant coursework.

Bachelor of Arts in [Major] | University Name, City, State | Year

Honors and Awards

• [Scholarship Name], [Year]
• Dean’s List, [Year]
• [Academic Award], [Year]

Relevant Coursework

E. Sample Resume Template for Creative Scholarships

For students applying for creative scholarships, such as those in the arts or writing fields, a more creative approach is often required. This sample template includes sections for relevant experience and creative accomplishments, as well as a 500-word essay to showcase their writing skills.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in [Major] | University Name, City, State | Year

Relevant Experience

• Art Exhibition: [Exhibition Name]
• Creative Writing Contest: [Contest Name]
• Internship: [Company Name]

Creative Accomplishments

• Published Short Story: Title of Story
• Artwork Showcase: [Gallery/Exhibition Name]

Writing Sample

Please refer to the attached 500-word essay: [Essay Title]

By using these scholarship resume templates, students can create a professional, impressive resume that highlights their accomplishments and sets them apart from other applicants.

Writing Effective Academic Details

When it comes to applying for scholarships, showcasing your academic achievements is key. Here are some tips on how to effectively communicate your academic details:

A. Major/Field of Study: Your major or field of study is an important academic detail to include in your scholarship resume. This information helps scholarship committees understand your academic interests and how they align with the scholarship’s requirements.

B. GPA/Class Rank: Another important academic detail to include is your GPA/class rank. This information shows how well you have performed academically and provides insight into your potential for success in college.

C. Coursework and Completed Projects: Including a list of relevant coursework and completed projects is a great way to showcase your academic strengths and interests. This section can also provide insight into your skills and abilities.

D. Academic Achievements:

Certifications: If you have obtained any certifications related to your major or field of study, be sure to include them in your scholarship resume. These certifications show that you have taken the initiative to learn and grow in your field.

Academic Honors: Academic honors, such as being on the Dean’s List or receiving academic scholarships, demonstrate your academic excellence and dedication to your studies.

Academic Awards: Including any awards you have received for academic achievement – such as winning a competition or being recognized by a professional organization – can help set you apart from other applicants.

Grants and Scholarships: Finally, if you have received any grants or scholarships related to your major or field of study, be sure to list them in your scholarship resume. This demonstrates that you have already taken steps to pursue your academic career.

When writing about your academic details, be sure to use precise language and clear formatting, such as bullet points or tables, to make the information easy to read and understand. Effective communication of your academic achievements can greatly increase your chances of securing a scholarship.

Writing Professional Work Experience

As a scholarship applicant, it’s crucial to showcase your work experience in a compelling and persuasive way. Here are three key sections to include when writing about your professional experience.

A. Employment History

Your employment history is the foundation of your professional work experience section. Make sure to include your past positions, job titles, and the dates you held those roles. Be sure to focus on jobs that are relevant to the scholarship you’re applying for, but don’t discount any work experience that may show transferable skills.

If you’ve had a long career, you may want to consider leaving out older employment history, so you can create more space for your recent experiences. Some scholarship applications may have specific guidelines, so be sure to check and follow them.

B. Relevant Work Experience

When applying for a scholarship, it’s important to highlight the work experience that is most relevant to the scholarship requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a scholarship for environmental studies, you’ll want to focus on your experiences in that area.

If you have work experience that isn’t directly related to the scholarship but it shows transferable skills, make sure to include it. This could be anything from customer service experience to leadership roles.

C. Responsibilities and Accomplishments

The responsibilities you’ve had in your previous roles are important, but it’s also important to highlight your accomplishments. This could be anything from exceeding sales goals to leading a team to victory.

When writing about your responsibilities, be specific about what you did in each role. For example, instead of saying “managed inventory,” you could say “reduced inventory costs by 20% through proactive management techniques.”

Including quantifiable accomplishments adds weight to your work experience and shows that you can achieve results.

When writing your professional work experience section, focus on demonstrating how your past experiences make you an ideal candidate for the scholarship you’re applying for. Be specific, concise, and show how you went above and beyond in your roles.

Showcasing Leadership Experience

When it comes to showcasing leadership experience on your scholarship resume, it’s important to consider the various avenues through which you gained that experience. Here are some common types of leadership experiences that you can highlight:

Student Government Association  – If you have held a position in your school’s student government association, this is a great way to showcase your leadership skills. Be sure to include any specific accomplishments or projects you worked on during your time in this group.

Non-Profit Organizations  – Serving as a leader for a non-profit organization can demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in your community. This could involve working with a local charity, organizing events, or holding a leadership position within the organization.

Volunteer Groups  – Participating in volunteer work can also show your dedication to serving others and making a positive impact on the world. Whether it’s through a local church group or national organization, listing your volunteer experience can highlight your leadership and teamwork skills.

Sports  – Being a captain or leader on a sports team can also demonstrate your ability to lead and work with others towards a common goal. Highlight any specific achievements or challenges you faced while in this role.

By showcasing your leadership experience in a variety of areas, you can demonstrate your flexibility and adaptability as a leader. Be sure to provide specific examples and accomplishments to more effectively showcase your skills.

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How to Write a Scholarship Resume

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

If you are applying for scholarships, you may encounter the request for a scholarship resume. Whether you are applying for a private scholarship or a college-specific merit scholarship , you should include all materials — including a scholarship resume — that are recommended by the application or scholarship committee. 

Don’t miss: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool

In this guide, we will talk about the following:

• What is a scholarship resume?

Why do scholarships ask for a resume?

Scholarship resume templates, how to write your scholarship resume.

• What not to include in a scholarship resume?

First, what is a scholarship resume?

A resume is a summary of your achievements and accomplishments. For students applying for scholarships, this would include information about your academic history, as well as your extracurricular activities and involvements. All of this information should be summarized in a thoughtful one-page document. 

The tricky thing about writing a resume is that you will need to keep it concise and focused on the most important pieces of information. After all, many scholarship committee members may be scanning your resume in a minute or less! The good news is that we are here to help you write an awesome resume to use in your scholarship or admissions applications.

Related: How to write an essay about yourself

You might be wondering: “why do scholarship committees want to see my resume?” This is a fair question, and in my experience as an admissions officer and scholarship committee member, the resume is helpful because it helps explain your activities and accomplishments in more detail. A resume also helps organize everything in a more logical, clear way (assuming that the student has a logical, organized resume).

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A strong scholarship resume starts with solid organization. This is where a scholarship resume template can be incredibly useful. If you are looking for a scholarship resume template, Google Docs is a great place to start. We also love Google Docs, because it allows your resume to be a “living” document that you can continue to update!

Once you choose your template, you will be able to fill out the details. The template is essentially a framework to help showcase who you are and what experience you have.

Once you have chosen a template, you can begin to write your scholarship resume. When writing your scholarship resume, there are a few critical areas that you need to cover:

Personal information

This includes your name, location, and contact information (usually email and phone number).

Educational History

What schools have you attended? Where are the schools located? This also includes your academic history including GPA, class rank, notable AP or honors classes, and test scores.

Extracurricular Activities

Include specific organizations, dates when you were involved in the organization, leadership positions, and a brief description of the impact you made.

Involvement outside of school

Involvement outside of school can include your work and volunteering history. Again, be specific about organizations/companies, dates, positions, and a brief description of the work or impact.

Honors and awards

Generally, we recommend that students should only include honors and awards that were received in high school.

Tip: If you are unsure of what to include in your scholarship resume, try talking to your friends and family for advice. They may help you remember accomplishments that you wouldn’t have otherwise thought to include.

What not to include in a scholarship resume

The biggest mistake that I see students making on their resumes is including information that is outdated. If you are a high school senior, you should absolutely not be including any experiences or information from middle school or earlier.

Remember, the scholarship committee is using your resume to predict the future as they imagine the type of impact that you will make in the world as a college student and alum. The most recent information will give them more relevant information to see who you will become.

Also see: How to write a winning scholarship essay

Bottom line for students

A resume is a very useful way to communicate your experiences and achievements in both the admissions and scholarship application processes. As a bonus, you will save yourself work down the line when applying for jobs and internships as you’ll have a resume that’s ready (and as we mentioned, Google Docs makes it extremely easy to update your resume as you add new experiences).

Also see: How to write a scholarship cover letter

Additional resources

As you are applying for scholarships, do not forget about local opportunities . Your high school counselor or community organizations can help connect you to scholarship opportunities with less applicants, and thus, a higher chance of winning. You can also check out our lists of scholarships by state , scholarships by demographics , and scholarships by major .

And as always, don’t forget to fill out the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for institutional and federal aid, including the Pell Grant and Stafford Loans . Good luck on your scholarship search, and make sure to check out our free scholarship search tool for vetted, custom-matched scholarships that are continually updated.

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• Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

• • Pitched up to 5 original ideas/ week for the opinions segment: responsible for realizing 75% with original interviews and reviews
• • Canvased among students to find the most interesting topic and wrote 1 investigative piece on the matter/ per, raising readership by 65%
• • 12 articles were nominated for state-wide awards, while 16 pieces won local awards, e.g. "Best New High School Voice", "Local Investigation of the Year", "Young People's Opinion of 2022"
• • Joined a team of 3 other volunteers in serving dinner to +100 people in need
• • Ensured that every single person received a warm welcome: feedback forms mark a rise in 35% more people coming to join us due to our hospitality
• • Worked 900+ hours in the last year, and was present even during holidays, to make sure that nobody was feeling left behind during the most festive time of the year
• • Sorted nonfiction catalog of 15K+ books using the Dewey Decimal Classification System
• • Helped the librarian to select new books to increase the library catalogue by 12%, while staying relevant to the younger generation
• • Catalogued 1k+ books in need of restoration and preparation and helped with the binding and taping of the ones that were least damaged (500 books)
• • Early acceptance for the class of 2027 due to high academic excellence and portfolio of work for the Ursa Daily Reports. Expected start date: September 2023.
• • Scoring a 1570 AVG on SATs, with 1600 on the English Language and Literature segment

5 Scholarship Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your scholarship resume must clearly highlight your academic achievements. Include awards, honors, and GPAs to showcase your scholastic aptitude. Additionally, extracurricular activities and leadership roles demonstrate your well-rounded character. Ensure to detail these experiences, as they are crucial in distinguishing you from other applicants.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Find out best practices for your scholarship resume in our guide, which will show you:, looking for related entry-level academic resumes check out our 32 examples:, what is a scholarship resume, how to write a professional header for your scholarship resume, aligning vision and scholarship requirements in the objective resume section, what do scholarship committees expect to see in your experience section: both academic and professional, 45+ skills to add to your scholarship resume.

How much of your education should you include in your resume?"?

Certificates to show your investment in the niche

Don’t forget about your awards and honors, key takeaways.

Even in her wildest fantasies, Abby never dreamed she could study on a fully-funded scholarship at Yale.

Yet, a real later, she's halfway into completing her master's in economics, receiving funding of +$50 000 per year.

An integral role in Abby's strategy for success was played by her scholarship resume .

In the highly competitive application process, only the best candidates win scholarships.

So how do you go about making a good first impression on the scholarship committee, responsible for your future?

Step into the shoes of a lawyer.

You'd use all of your professional, personal, and academic choices to argue your case. And prove that you're the best - no, not just the best - but the only candidate worthy of this scholarship.

Your resume is your statement of truth, highlighting all key evidence of

• who you are
• how you present yourself
• the horizons you can reach if you secure the tuition.

What is more, scholarship resumes allow you to narrate your visions and goals for the future.

At the same time, the professional story you tell should meet the scholarship requirements and expectations.

• What scholarship committees expect to see on your resume upon assessment?

Where to start writing your scholarship resume?

• How to balance your experience and knowledge with vision in various resume sections?
• Best go-to guide in substituting lack of professional experience on your scholarship resume.
• How to include expected graduation dates to highlight your ambitions for the future?
• ​​ Freshers Resumes
• Entry-Level
• Marketing Intern
• Entry Level Sales
• Data Science Intern
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• Software Engineer Intern
• Entry-Level IT
• Entry Level Software Engineer
• Junior Java Developer
• Entry Level Engineering
• Engineering Intern
• Entry Level Mechanical Engineer
• Entry Level Financial Analyst Resume
• Junior Financial Analyst
• Research Associate
• Research Assistant
• Lab Assistant
• Lab Technician
• Teacher Assistant

Scholarship resumes outline why your experience cross-aligns with the funding profile.

Scholarship resumes have the following characteristics; they are

• short - between one and two pages long documents
• concise - listing only relevant experience
• specific - targeted towards the program you're applying for

Most often, applicants list their experience in reverse chronological order , starting with the most recent/ senior ones.

Discover the top 5 scholarship resume sections.

• Header - listing all relevant contact details
• Education - including all university degrees or high school diplomas (relevant only for bachelor scholarships)
• Experience - both professional, academic, and personal
• Awards - to showcase your merit
• Personal Skills - soft skills and achievements, defining your character

You may not have realized it, but scholarship resumes are living (breathing) documents reflecting your growth.

That's why there's no "one size fits all approach" to how you'd go about defining your experience.

This very often puzzles most students due to their lack of real-world, professional experience .

Your resume can be more functional based , substituting professional experience with:

• hard skills: obtained during courses, certifications, and training
• soft skills: developed during various extracurricular opportunities (volunteer, student organizations, clubs, etc.)
• portfolio of work: including college or high school and personal projects

While on the topic, let’s look at:

Academic commissions' framework to analyzing your resume:

• How your experience meets scholarship criteria?
• Would winning this scholarship make sense in your career progression?
• What is your objective or dream for the future? Also, would this specific funding help you achieve your vision?
• If you win the scholarship, what impact would you make on the scientific/ academic communities or the world?
• What sets you apart from all the other applicants?

Leaving nothing to chance, when writing your scholarship resume with the 20/40/40 principal.

The principal could help you better frame your time by spending:

• 20% on editing and formatting your resume
• 40% to draft and write
• 40% on research and assessment

That final 40 % actually plays a crucial role in your success. You should focus your efforts to find resources detailing:

• Who the scholarship is meant for?
• What sort of profile is wanted (e.g. research, leadership, community initiative)?
• Analyzing past years' scholarship students' success.

Thus, you'd better be able to make the case of how your experience would match the scholarship profile.

Take the time to create one very detailed resume for personal use that lists all your previous roles and achievements.

This long-formed resume backed up in your cloud would help you easily shorten and customize your experience when applying for scholarships and future roles.

Raise your hand if this has happened to you before.

You've set out to write your resume with all the hope, inspiration, and ambition you can muster. But suddenly you hit a full stop with your header .

• Which contact detail should you include?
• What about your 1K+ Instagram profile - with photos from your nights out and family vacations?
• And what is it with that horrible headline - you haven't yet entered the job market, yet it's asking you to define a title or role.

Take a few steps back and think about the functions of the resume header.

The assessment committee most often uses it to get your contact details and preview your previous projects/work (or LinkedIn presence).

So, make sure you include a link to your:

• relevant telephone number
• professional email address
• address: city, state/ country
• LinkedIn/ GitHub/ or personal blog link.

Demystifying the resume headline is what we'll get into next.

If you have some really noteworthy role or achievement, that aligns with the scholarship requirements, you could use the header to highlight this.

Alternatively, your header could be used to showcase your vision for the future. Answering what you would like to achieve in the big picture of things.

Not sure what we mean by this?

Check out the section of this guide to get a better understanding.

2 Scholarship Resume Header Examples

There are three main elements that could be improved in the above example.

The header could be less vague. Doesn’t it sound a bit desperate? Our advice is to substitute the demand (or what you want) with what you can actually achieve.

It’s not a good idea to use your university email account, as, after graduation, most accounts get “retired”. And you may want to reference back to your applications in a couple of years.

Finally, Instagram may not be the best place to showcase the portfolio of work of a Computer Science graduate.

This header works as it:

• Includes all the relevant contact details
• Showcases a portfolio of work
• Highlights knowledge (programming languages and current degree) with goals

While curating your scholarship resume, do you feel too busy fighting alligators to drain the swamp? Put simply, while noting major experience points or skills, do you tend to forget about your objective ?

The big WHY. Purpose. Intent. Drive.

Use this section to show the assessment committee why you're the best choice and deserve to win the scholarship.

A strong objective is between three and five sentences and is a declaration of

• your long-term goals
• the position you seek to acquire in the future
• how you'd achieve change with the help of the scholarship.

And to enhance the quality of your vision, it's best to build on your achievement, strengths, and skill set.

Don't just use empty words (e.g "ambitious", "passionate", "caring"), but qualify each.

Thus, you'd be aligning your bigger purposes (and interests) so they stay relevant to the scholarship you're applying for.

2 Scholarship Resume Objective Examples

This objective just lists scholarship requirements. It doesn’t even remotely answer why this student deserves the funding.

The only “character points” are the passions, but these aren’t mapped within any experience or achievements.

This objective section is excellent as

• Its first sentence meets eligibility criteria while showing an aim for the vision.
• Academic excellence is defined by awards.
• Class President title showcases student communication skills and popularity.
• Charity work to show not only community service, but an understanding of why better healthcare is needed by all.

Think outside the box when writing your resume experience section. Make sure to include relevant professional, academic, and extracurricular activities.

The scholarship resume experience section allows you to use your tangible achievements (and results) to hint at what:

• skills or values you could bring about.

While curating this section, consider choosing your best (and most relevan t) professional roles. List those reverse chronologically, starting with the most recent roles. You can sort these by seniority and relevance to the scholarship.

The resume experience section could include internships, part-time experience, or lecturing/ teaching opportunities.

In some cases, you may not have much professional experience. Academic committees don't expect you to maintain a 4.0 GPA while managing a team of 12+ junior software engineers.

Showing that you have a healthy study-life-work balance can always be an asset.

So, instead, focus on your academic career.

You can include research, projects, editorial/ contributor, and teaching/tutoring experience.

High school students, applying for a bachelor's scholarship, here's what you can do. Leverage all extracurricular associations (or clubs), sports, and activities you've participated in.

Remember to select all that are relevant to the scholarship. This would highlight your academic contribution and the footprint you've left in the community.

Last, but not least, comes one of the most important areas of your experience.

Community involvement or volunteer positions show a sense of altruism and seeing beyond your own needs.

If the hours you've volunteered are impressive, you can also include those. Don't forget to note what you've achieved in that time frame.

Scholarship resume experience examples

• • Did 800 hours of volunteering/year
• • Helped senior veterinarians with operations
• • Collected animals that were malnutrition and had bad living conditions
• • Applied some B.Sc. Veterinary degree knowledge in the workplace

The experience section above goes so far as to list what the student did, without second thoughts to skills obtained.

What is more, you have to be specific in all areas of your experience section, and that includes the role title.

Here’s how this can be improved.

• • Completed 800+ hours of volunteering per year to embody my lifelong passion for helping animals in need
• • Helped 5 senior veterinarians during 100+ operations by sanitizing areas, preparing all surgery instruments in advance, and taking care of hospitalized animals before and after the medical procedures
• • Answered 120+ signals from the community about animals, whose living conditions were bad, and coordinated deportation of these animals with the local police force
• • Applied knowledge from B.Sc. Veterinary degree in the field to enhance patient care quality by 45%

Reading up the above experience section would show committees the students’:

• Passion and interests
• Technical capabilities in the field
• Communication skills
• Ability to put theoretical knowledge into practice

And as a bonus, those hours of community service are pretty impressive.

A cheat sheet on writing your scholarship resume experience section

While each experience may have helped you grow - both personally and professionally - it's important to remember that your resume offers limited space .

On the way to presenting your best qualities, skills, and achievements, keep in mind the following:

• Always portray the actual work you did

Don't end the bullet point with just the action or the indecisive verb, but include what you achieved.

Substitute: "I was responsible for 5 people"

With: "I oversaw the work 5 interns did in research for client briefs, creating a solid basis for implementing 16+ communication strategies"

• It's in the details

The more precise you can be about your experience, the more helpful you'd be to committees to better understand what you actually did.

Substitute: "Did research in a lab"

With: "Conducted lab research and 20+ experiments to discover how diets, healthy in nutrition, versus lacking nutrition could impact the human organism in a 30-day-timeframe"

• Relevance is key

Think about how strong your experience is in the frame of the scholarship.

Sometimes spending every day, after school, in the debate society could be a better item to add to your resume than working four-hour shifts at McDonald's.

• Live for the moment

Remember how in elementary school you received that teacher's choice award for your painting of a field?

Well, if you're applying for a bachelor's scholarship, this accreditation of your excellence may not be your strongest asset.

Leave the past be in the past and focus on your most recent, noteworthy achievements.

At the core of most scholarship eligibility requirements, you'd find three main elements.

• Academic excellence
• Community involvement

If we're to further break down these three segments, you'd find two types of skills at their cores. Ones that you may have gained through your academic, professional, or personal experience/ growth.

Hard or technical skills are the first type.

These are directly correlated to the field or niche you're specializing in (or looking to specialize in).

It's a good idea to include in your resume the technology, instruments, or tools you've learned to use as a result of your training.

Below, you'd find a list of some of the most popular technical skills for your scholarship resume.

23 technical skills you may want to add:

• Adobe Products
• Prototyping
• Engineering
• Hardware Maintenance
• Mathematics
• Machine Learning
• Medical Software
• Phlebotomy / Administering Injections
• Safe Use and Disposal of Chemicals
• Reporting/ Writing Articles

How to describe academic, professional, and personal soft skills

Your resume is expected to balance technologies with personal skills.

As cliché as it may sound, having "ambition", "purpose", and "communication" pop up from your resume at a first glance is a good thing.

Those buzzwords hint that you are aware of the requirements of the scholarship.

Want to take your soft skills section to the next level?

Dedicate a strengths or achievements section in your resume for three specific skills. And highlight those with your achievements.

This would help you build further the case of why you're the perfect applicant for the scholarship.

Here’s how:

Now that you’ve some inspiration from the resume strengths section, let’s find out some of the most popular soft skills you can include on your scholarship resume.

Don't forget about these 20+ soft skills:

• Communication
• Purpose-driven
• Independence
• Inquisitiveness
• Fundraising
• Volunteering
• People Care
• Community Involvement
• Patient Care
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Meet Deadlines
• Problem-Solving
• Decision-Making
• Professionalism
• Work Ethics

How much of your education should you include in your resume?"?

Scholarship committee members actually consider your academic excellence when making their choice.

Make sure that the education section of your resume is recent, relevant, and meets expectations. That means…

• …if you're a high school graduate, who has recently been accepted to a university

You could include information about the university you've chosen to attend, with expected starting and graduation dates . Within the education description, remember to note that you are to attend this university if you can secure a scholarship.

The next item on your scholarship resume should be your high school diploma with your GPA . The description section could be used to highlight your interests or extracurricular activities.

• …if you're a bachelor's/ master's/ doctoral student or graduate, applying for funding

Include all higher education diplomas you have (listed in reverse chronological order) with your GPA and extra details to define your niche.

If you've secured scholarships in the past, you could also list those in the description area. Just make sure that they're relevant to the scholarship you're applying for (e.g. leadership or nationally recognized scholarships, like Rhodes).

Don't list your high school education as it's from another era.

Certification would definitely win you a few brownie points during the assessment stage.

They hint that you're serious about the area you'd like to specialize in and that you're willing to go the extra mile.

By investing some of your own personal resources, you showcase that you're serious about the niche and that it's not just a hobby.

Did you know that in most cases, relevant certification could give you that extra competitive edge?

Being recognized as an accredited professional adds more weight to your resume. Transforming your bid from that "guy or gal who does science experiments in their free time, in the school lab," to a certified professional.

And there are so many opportunities out there to get relevant certification for your industry - just check Coursera's endless list of courses.

There are also free opportunities out there that could help you stand apart from other candidates.

Below, we've prepared 21 of the most popular certificates that could serve as a good starting point to show your career interests.

Top 21 certificates to highlight your niche:

• University of Michigan: Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
• CompTIA Certification
• Entry-Level Cisco Certified Technician
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate
• App DoJo: iOS App Development
• IBM Full Stack Cloud Developer Professional Certificate
• HubSpot Content Marketing
• Google Digital Garage: Digital Marketing
• Google Analytics for Beginners
• Hootsuite Platform Certification
• Facebook Blueprint Certification
• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
• University of Washington: Machine Learning Specialization Certification
• Columbia University: Fundamentals of Virology
• Yale University: Financial Markets
• Adobe Certified Expert (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
• Avid Courses
• Unity 3D Certifications
• Google UX Design Professional Certificate
• Microsoft Office Certification

If you haven't had yet the opportunity to mention your awards or honors, well now is the time.

As previously mentioned, your GPA is one-third of how your application will be assessed.

And nothing speaks better to committees than an Honor's Society, Dean's List , or Cum Laude to reinforce your academic merit.

Your award can also be to distinguish your humanitarian or local community work.

Just remember to keep it relevant to the scholarship you're applying for and to provide context under why you received the award.

Instead of: "Volunteer of 2021"

Write: "2021 Soup Kitchen Volunteer Recognition: Serving 665+ meals in the past year to people in need"

• Your scholarship resume formatting should highlight why you're the most deserving candidate to win this scholarship.
• Use your headline and objective sections to talk about your achievements, strengths, and goals (or vision) for the future.
• Make sure to include professional, academic, and community involvement in your experience section. The last two are especially important if you don't have a lot of full-time roles.
• Don't forget to list your relevant higher education with your GPA, and expected graduation dates. The better your academic track record is, the more likely you'll win the scholarship.
• Curate your awards, honors, and certificates to highlight your academic merit and interest within the field.

Looking to build your own Scholarship resume?

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Scholarship Resume examples, templates & guide for 2024

Scholarship resume examples.

Discover our scholarship Resume example and writing guide, designed to help you stand out. Our resources include free, downloadable templates that are easily copyable and customizable to match your unique profile. These templates, coupled with our proven tips and strategies, will guide you to create an impressive scholarship resume that leaves a lasting impression.

• Junior level

Personal Information

Name: Ethan Rivera Email: [email protected] Phone Number: (123) 456-7890 Location: San Francisco, California, USA

Resume Summary

Energetic and dedicated junior scholar with a strong track record of academic achievements and leadership roles. Recognized for exceptional skills in project management, research, and teamwork. Seeking for scholarship opportunities to further pursue educational goals and contribute positively to the academic community.

Professional Experience

Student Research Assistant | University of San Francisco | June 2020 – Present

• Conducted extensive research on various science-related topics, contributing significantly to the publication of 3 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborated with a team of 5 to design, execute, and evaluate scientific experiments.
• Presented research findings at university symposiums and academic conferences.

Project Coordinator | University of San Francisco Student Council | June 2019 – June 2020

• Led a team of 10 to plan, organize, and execute university events attended by over 1,000 students.
• Managed a budget of $10,000, optimizing resources and achieving a 20% cost saving on projects.
• Coordinated with various campus departments, vendors, and external partners to ensure seamless execution of events.

Bachelor of Science in Biology | University of San Francisco August 2018 – Present GPA: 3.8/4.0

High School Diploma | San Francisco High School August 2014 – May 2018 GPA: 4.0/4.0

• Research and Data Analysis
• Project Management
• Team Collaboration
• Public Speaking
• Event Planning and Execution

Awards and Honors

• Dean’s List – University of San Francisco (2018 – Present)
• Student Leadership Award – University of San Francisco (2019)

Available upon request.

Thomas Jeffery

Chicago, IL | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | LinkedIn: /ThomasJeffery

Dedicated and passionate Scholarship Program Coordinator with 6+ years of experience in nonprofit program management and administration. Proven track record in coordinating and managing scholarship programs, including student selection, funds disbursement, and donor relations. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management.

Scholarship Program Coordinator, Chicago Scholars Foundation, Chicago, IL | June 2016 – Present

• Coordinate and manage all aspects of the scholarship program including student selection, funds disbursement, and donor relations.
• Successfully increased the number of annual scholarship recipients by 20% through strategic outreach and student engagement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with donors, resulting in a 15% increase in scholarship funds.
• Implement and manage scholarship application processes and deadlines, ensuring compliance with all regulations and policies.

Program Assistant, Education Matters Foundation, Chicago, IL | May 2014 – May 2016

• Assisted in the coordination and administration of scholarship programs.
• Provided support in student outreach and engagement initiatives, resulting in a 10% increase in scholarship applications.
• Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of scholarship recipients and donors.
• Assisted in the planning and execution of donor recognition events and activities.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nonprofit Management, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL | 2010 – 2014

• Program Management
• Donor Relations
• Student Engagement
• Nonprofit Administration
• Communication Skills
• Outreach Initiatives

Certifications

• Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, 2016

Memberships

• Member, American Association of Grant Professionals, 2014 – Present
• Member, National Scholarship Providers Association, 2016 – Present

Samuel Harrison

1234 Magnolia Lane, Raleigh, NC – 27601 Phone: (919) 555-1234 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samuelharrison

Dedicated and seasoned Senior Scholarship Program Manager with over 10 years of experience in higher education and scholarship management. Proven track record of successfully managing scholarship programs, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines, and providing educational counseling. Strong leadership skills with a passion for fostering academic growth and development in students.

Senior Scholarship Program Manager

ABC University, Raleigh, NC – Jan 2012 – Present

Scholarship Program Coordinator

XYZ University, Chapel Hill, NC – Jun 2007 – Dec 2011

Master’s in Education Administration

Duke University, Durham, NC – 2005 – 2007

Bachelor’s in Business Administration

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC – 2001 – 2005

Certified Educational Planner (CEP) – American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, 2008

Professional Affiliations

Member – American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), Since 2012

Available upon request

Selecting the Right Format for Your Scholarship Resume

Choosing the right format for your scholarship resume is crucial. Consider a simple and clean layout—avoid unnecessary clutter. Use bullet points for clarity. Opt for a reverse-chronological format to highlight your most recent and relevant experiences first.

When crafting your scholarship resume objective, focus on your career goals, skills, and achievements relevant to the scholarship you’re applying for. Be specific and concise. Include:

Your academic accomplishments

Your area of study or intended profession

Key skills that make you an ideal candidate

A well-written objective sets the tone for the rest of your resume and can make you stand out to scholarship committees.

Professional / Work Experience

The professional or work experience section of your scholarship resume is crucial as it demonstrates your commitment and ability to handle responsibilities. Here, you will list your work history, starting with your most recent job first. If you have never had a formal job, don’t worry, you can also include internships, part-time positions, or volunteer work.

Job Title: Start by stating the position you held. Example: “Intern at XYZ Corporation.”

Employer: Mention the name of the organization where you worked. Example: “XYZ Corporation.”

Dates of Employment: List the month and year of your start and end dates. If you’re still employed, write ‘Present.’ Example: “June 2020 – Present.”

Job Responsibilities: Include a bulleted list of duties and achievements, highlighting any skills or experiences relevant to the scholarship. Use action verbs and quantify results wherever possible. Example: “Managed a project team of 5 and increased efficiency by 20%.”

Remember, the aim is to showcase your abilities and potential to contribute positively to the institution offering the scholarship.

Education & Certifications

Your education and certifications play a crucial role in your scholarship resume. They showcase your academic achievements, specialized skills, and commitment to learning. As such, they should be prominently displayed and detailed appropriately.

Start by listing your most recent educational institution at the top. Include the name of the institution, your major or area of study, and the dates you attended. If you’re still in school, you can write ‘Present’ or ‘Expected graduation year’.

If your GPA is strong, consider including it to highlight your academic performance. However, only do this if it’s above 3.5.

After your education, list any relevant certifications. Include the certification name, the institution that awarded it, and the date you received it. If you have multiple certifications, list them in reverse chronological order.

Remember, your goal is to present a strong case for why you’re an exceptional candidate for the scholarship. So, make sure to highlight any academic honors, awards, or significant projects related to your field of study.

Related Resume Examples

Hr coordinator, regional sales manager, outside sales, executive chef, high school teacher, data entry clerk, senior business analyst, call center representative, academic advisor, pastry chef, dental hygienist, soft & hard skills.

Whether you’re a high school student or a college junior, having a mix of soft and hard skills can set you apart. These skills can be gained from extracurricular activities, coursework, or part-time jobs. Include those that align with the scholarship’s requirements.

Soft skills for your Scholarship resume

• Excellent Communication
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Decision Making
• Adaptability
• Conflict Resolution

Hard skills for your Scholarship resume

• Academic Writing
• Research Skills
• Data Analysis
• Programming Languages (e.g., Python, Java)
• Graphic Design
• Financial Analysis
• Foreign Language Proficiency (e.g., Spanish, French)

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Click here to directly go to the complete scholarship resume sample.

• How to write a scholarship resume?

Are you getting frustrated to write a perfect resume for a scholarship application?

We don’t recommend that making the best resume is the only way to bag the best scholarships.

Well, you could write a book, build a company, win a prize. But, writing a winning resume for scholarships is undoubtedly the easiest way to describe why you are a good candidate for a scholarship.

And your recruiters only want to know whether you are as skilled and whether you know it.

In this blog, we will walk you through:

• Why do you need a scholarship resume?
• How to write the education section of a student resume for scholarships?
• How to write the work experience in aresume for scholarships?
• Additional tips for scholarship resume 2023?

Why Do You Need a Scholarship Resume?

A resume for scholarships is very different from what we often consider it to be. A student resume for scholarships is not the same resume that you use for a corporate job.

Not only should it be relevant and elaborate, but it also must be tailored according to the scholarship description.

Your scholarship resume plays the first role in getting the targeted scholarship.

Your scholarship resume can serve as a reference for you to fill out your college applications and your scholarship entrance forms.

With your scholarship resume in hand, you can be assured that you will not leave out any vital information that could help you get your target scholarship or gain admittance to the college of your choice.

Also read: How to write a brilliant college student resume?

How to Write a Scholarship Resume?

Let's look at the following college scholarship resume examples as we guide you through writing the most important sections that are relevant to the scholarship you are targeting.

Before writing the perfect scholarship resume template, the first important step is research.

The send step is listing all your academic achievements and other notable information in a Master Resume.

Your master resume could comprise of information ranging from the assignment you nailed, to the volleyball match you championed.

Once you have your Master Resume, start filtering out the irrelevant information. The actual relevance can be assessed from the targeted scholarship.

Not all of your previous accomplishments will have a bearing on your educational future. Consider contests won, higher grades achieved, jobs held, and community activities participated in.

Concentrate on those accomplishments that demonstrate your potential as a student and showcase your characteristic strengths.

After you have sifted through your past and found the achievements best representing you, it is time to make your final scholarship resume.

Also read: How to write a resume with no experience?

Starting a Scholarship Resume

From the given scholarship resume template, you can start your resume by dividing it into 4 sections with the following main headings:

• Academic Experience
• Extracurricular Activities
• Work Experience

Awards and Honors

Almost all the necessary information to put on a scholarship resume falls into these four categories.

To fit your scholarship resume best, you may rephrase the headings according to the experiences they highlight. Also, leave enough spaces between sections to maintain a visually pleasing resume.

Scholarship Resume Contact Details

The name and contact should be the first thing a recruiter sees. For the same reason, this must be on top of the resume. This is called the header section. This includes:

To add a professional touch to your scholarship resume, make sure:

• The Nname is the largest text (>16 points)
• Phone number is reachable at all times
• Email address has your name in it and is professional (no [email protected] please)
• Location includes the city, state & country as required (skip your street address)

Scholarship Resume Title

The scholarship resume title must include the target domain and your current professional expertise.

The title is the next targeted step on your resume header . It demonstrates the level of your expertise.

It could be anything from an " Economics Scholar " to a " Financial Analyst " or a " Software Developer " to a " Finance Graduate .”

You may also include your licenses or certifications on the student resume for the scholarships, such as " FAA Licensed Commercial Pilot .”

Make sure that it is the first thing right after your name.

Scholarship Resume Objective & Skills

The scholarship resume objective should showcase how you exemplify the values underlining the scholarship and how your accomplishments are along the lines of previous scholars.

The objective is a short summary of your skills and expertise to rationalize your claim for getting that scholarship.

Your scholarship resume objective could be a tad bigger than a normal job resume. This is because the objective also acts as a snapshot of your statement of purpose.

It's okay if your purpose cannot be limited to just 2 - 3 lines. However, do not take the liberty to keep writing your scholarship resume objective till one or two pages.

It should still be short , relevant , and convincing .

We have exemplified a few scholarships resume objectives and corresponding skills to put on a scholarship resume.

Skills for Scholarship Resume

Your scholarship resume objective is commonly followed by the skills for scholarship resume section to add a professional touch.

Every academic institution is eager to accept candidates who, apart from having flawless grades, display qualities like Curiosity, Self-motivation, Leadership & Enthusiasm.

These are a few solid skills to put on a scholarship resume. However, instead of merely mentioning that you possess these skills, showcase just how exactly you personify these skills. Mention where all you demonstrated your leadership and community-centric approach.

Let's look at one of the scholarship resume objectives from one of the college scholarship resume examples:

Development Research Analyst & Consultant

Meticulous & detail-oriented Development Research Analyst armed with an extraordinary acumen for research encompassing both primary and secondary methodologies. Possesses a track record of consistently securing a top rank throughout the academic career. Adept at leading teams and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to analyze key parameters for consolidating information into actionable reports and presentations. Proficient in investigating significant social issues with keen insight and a unique perspective, and conducting socio-economic impact assessment (SIA) for development and research projects.

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY

Also read: How to write a compelling analyst resume in 2023?

Mechatronics Engineer

Result-oriented Mechatronics Engineer highly skilled in conducting research development predominantly in the Automotive Research domain. Possesses a rich experience of ~3 years in chassis & vehicle integration, research fund management & cost & business reporting. Additionally, I have undertaken a wide variety of technical projects in other domains to hone my research ability further and demonstrated the ability to lead a technical team effectively by providing direction, leadership, and motivation and hence ensuring that the team members perform to the best of their skills and deliver consistently.

KEY SKILLS :

SOFTWARE SKILLS :

Also read: What are the guidelines you must follow to draft a great engineering resume?

Law Graduate

Proactive Law Graduate with a strong work ethic and experience in handling major internship projects for a wide variety of client organizations. Offers strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills and an ability to work effectively with internal and external multidisciplinary teams. Highly skilled at interacting with clients and identifying their needs to create strategies that help them achieve their goals effectively. Adept in conducting legal research, drafting & vetting legal documents & meeting time-sensitive case objectives. Possesses hands-on experience of working on a wide variety of projects ranging from legal research, review & analysis to Due Diligence covering multiple domains such as finance, fair agreement terms, etc. Keen to apply the acquired gamut of skills to a challenging role in the management consulting domain

AREAS OF EXPERTISE :

Clinical Psychology Professional

Result-oriented Clinical Psychology graduate skilled at Patient Observation, Case History Examination, Patient Counseling, taking notes, etc. Have successfully pursued B.A. (Hons.) in Psychology from the University of New York & currently pursuing M.A. in Clinical Psychology. Have amassed vast experience in the domain of Clinical Psychology by working & interning in multiple organizations & assisting experienced Clinical Psychologists in OPD as well as IPD cases. Gained hands-on experience of examining detailed case histories of patients (including children) suffering from various conditions, including alcohol abuse, bipolar affective disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc. Proven leader who has demonstrated excellence in all domains, including professional engagements, academics, leadership roles, and extra-curricular activities. Deeply interested in the field of Clinical Psychology looking for challenging opportunities in this space.

The scholarship resume objective is followed by:

Scholarship Resume: Education Section

List your Educational Qualification at the top of your scholarship resume.

Most scholarships ask for a certain GPA. For the same, you may include your weighted or unweighted GPA.

Add your advanced placement or honors classes along with any majors or minors. Include your expected date of degree completion.

Use action words to convey your qualifications and experience.

• Your minors
• Graduation date
• Name of institution

The information mentioned above is a must-have for a scholarship resume. But to make your resume stand out from other resumes, write the following information.

• Extracurricular activities
• Favorite field of study
• Key academic achievements

Include only your high school educational information when applying for an undergraduate scholarship.

When applying for a graduate scholarship, you can skip writing about your high school unless you've got some outstanding accomplishments or it is a very prestigious school.

When applying for a postgraduate or a Ph.D. scholarship, mention both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in your scholarship resumes.

Academic & Extracurricular Achievements

Follow your academic experience with academic or extracurricular activities

This section should also be targeted, and the activities should specifically be for the domain you are targeting.

For example, if the scholarship emphasizes computer programming, do not list your volunteer hours for community service. Instead, fill it up with a dated list of all the programming competitions you have won and your created applications.

The following template from a resume for scholarship sample should help you write the main pointers under the Achievements section.

• Award/Recognition | Institutional Affiliation | Location | Dates

The following snippet from a resume for scholarship application sample should help you understand how to write your academic and non-academic awards.

In the above example, we've highlighted a few places in yellow where there's scope to add performance figures. Follow a similar approach to identify more such places in your scholarship resume for high school students where you can include numbers.

Maintain the following thumb rules while writing your awards on your scholarship resume:

• Each activity begins on a new line with a bullet
• Highlight with bold your responsibilities and achievements
• Focus on duties related to the scholarship requirements
• Try to provide figures wherever you can

Within this section, you should include other scholarships that you have already won. But how to list scholarships on your resume?

Including a previous scholarship is easy within the "Academic & Co-curricular Achievements" section. Let's look at the following example.

Also read: How to make the most of your education on resume?

Work Experience & Internships

Your work experience is included in the third section. Even if you just had a summer job at the local supermarket, you should mention it.

Scholarship directors do not expect every applicant to do amazing internships abroad, but they do expect you to have spent your time doing something productive.

Work experience shows how you managed both your studies and your job.

If your work experience is directly relevant to the scholarship you are pursuing, you may reorder your sections too to showcase your expertise in the domain. Let's consider the following snippet from a scholarship resume template.

The technical expertise section is significant for the resume of a Mechatronics Engineer as it showcases that in addition to only educational qualification, the candidate has the right experience in the domain.

This increases your chances for a scholarship.

For a scholarship resume for high school students, the work experiences section or the internship section should ideally be placed below the "Educational Qualification" or "Academic Achievements" section.

However, here a few exceptions:

For the scholarship resumes of a "Law Graduate,” it is essential for the candidate to represent his or her practical expertise in the field rather than theoretical knowledge .

Prioritizing the "Internships" section over the work experiences section does the same.

The same priority is maintained if you are writing a resume for scholarship application for a medical school.

Let's look at the following high school scholarship resume template in the medical domain.

Also read : How to list your internship experiences and highlight your contributions?

List your awards and honors in the last section.

Include academic honors or honorary memberships.

To list your awards and honors on your scholarship resume, you may use the following academic award template:

Let us follow with a few examples:

• 1st prize | Inter-house economics quiz competition, LSDD | California, US | Jan '14
• 2nd position | Laissez Faire: "Psyconomic" analysis | California, US | Sep '11

Also read: How to write a resume for computer science students?

Finalizing Your Scholarship Resume

Once you have included all the necessary skills and relevant details, your scholarship resume should be passed through a final step of quality check.

Format Your Resume

Once you have created a general list of your personal and academic accomplishments, it is time to get them organized.

First, list your achievements in descending order, from current to earliest.

Always begin your scholarship resume with your most current accomplishments as they are typically the most relevant to your college applications and scholarship entrance forms.

Organize Your Resume

You may organize your resume in different ways. But once you've chosen the reverse chronological order, you must format it in the following way:

• Resume header - Name, address, phone number, and email address
• Scholarship Resume Objective : 2 - 3 to summarize your achievements and skills
• Education - List your high school and college courses along with GPA >3.0
• Work Experience/Internships - List jobs in a reverse chronological format including part-time & full-time employment
• Honors and Awards - List all honors, awards, and accolades you have received
• Courses Attended - Record seminars, conferences, or training courses attended (e.g., Red Cross Training)
• Training & Certifications
• Memberships : List your affiliations, memberships, and associations you belong to including leadership roles pursued in the same. Include school-sponsored clubs and/or honor societies.
• Community Involvement: List volunteer work or community activities
• Hobbies and Interests : List enrichment programs, travel programs, hobbies, and interests that compliment your educational qualification or target profile.
• Athletic Achievements & Performing Arts
• Languages : List your language skills along with the proficiency level of each.

An ideal resume contains distinct sections, so it is easier for you to highlight all the essential points.

Proofreading your scholarship resume

Write your scholarship resume. Let it sit for a day. Then proofread it.

Remove fluff and out-of-context points. Ensure that you follow the right guidelines before submitting your resume.

You should ask a domain-specific professional or career counselor to proofread your scholarship resume for typos or grammatical errors.

Write your resume using standard fonts like Calibri or Open Sans .

Using different fonts often makes your resume appear unprofessional, while many stylish fonts do not comply with all systems.

Ensure that all your accomplishments are true and avoid the temptation to exaggerate or make them up.

Limit your resume to 1 page unless suggested otherwise.

Also read: What are the dos and don'ts of a great resume?

Scholarship Resume 2023 Tips

A neat and detail-oriented resume could increase your chances for a scholarship.

Scholarship resumes benefit most by outlining personal accomplishments . It is the most important document to refer to while completing the necessary forms or essays during the scholarship process.

The resume should first introduce you to a scholarship committee by highlighting your background relevant to the target job description.

The content of scholarship resumes should be specialized.

Considering that the readers in the committee want evidence for a high level of aptitude and performance, your resume should convince them that you are the most capable candidate.

So how does a scholarship resume offer the aura of expertise? Through details .

Your scholarship resume should be high detail-oriented by applying acronyms (and expanding them) used within the field like IPM, TRIP, ASTM, ARM, NCGE, etc., correctly writing the practical outcomes . The use of active verbs within the scholarship resumes should be highly targeted. Use words or phrases like:

• Co-authored
• Played a key role in
• Coordinated
• Investigated
• Liaised with

These imply important roles involving authorship , collaboration , learning , leadership , and management .

The goal of the scholarship resume is to demonstrate advanced skills and a high level of achievement complemented by the most relevant evidence.

Your lack of experience should be covered in the scholarship resume using the following tips:

Highlight the most positive and relevant factors about you.

• Keep your scholarship resume relevant and targeted
• Limit your scholarship resume to 1 page
• Ensure readability by using a neat font
• Use a font size between 10 - 12 pts. for the body
• Keep your headings larger (14 - 16 pts.)
• Make your margins at least 1 inch
• Be specific and accurate without being too lengthy
• Always be truthful without exaggeration
• Your resume should be free of spelling or grammatical errors
• Avoid passive or weak phrases
• Begin sentences with action words
• Omit all personal pronouns like "I" and "we."
• Be consistent with tenses, dates, punctuation, and spacing
• Use bullets for your contribution and achievements points
• Remove irrelevant personal information like religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, and age
• Review and proofread your resume professionally

Resumes for college scholarships must include information around:

• Minors (if relevant)
• Institution Name

Also read: What are the top 3 resume formats in 2023?

Resume Template for Scholarships

Check out the given example of resume for scholarships created using our Online Resume Builder :

• Rendered assistance in conducting multiple Emotional Quotient and Intelligence Quotient tests
• Counselled ~20 children under the tutelage of Dr. Izak
• Conceptualized and executed digital marketing initiatives under Ms. Beyonce Ronaldo
• Conducted SWOT analysis for multiple projects on public transport
• Tutoring ~40 students of 4th grade in maths to prepare them for final examinations
• Choreographed a dance sequence for their Annual Function
• Delivered menstrual awareness dialogues to ~500 women as part of spreading awareness while distributing clean and reusable sanitary napkins
• Organized the 'Showcase' event & managed the event by coordinating with multiple schools while delivering presentations in accordance with school policies
• Scholar Badge Holder | The National School | Jan '11 - Jan '18
• Qualified for Regional Round | International Financial Olympiad | Jun '17 - Jun '18
• State Rank 35 | International Olympiad of English Language | Jun '15 – Jun '16
• Scored 72/80 | International German Exam - Fit in Deutsch 2 | Jul '16
• Scored 55/60 | International German Exam | Fit in Deutsch 1 | Jan '14
• Advanced Math Applications | Kumon Mathematics Programme | Jun '15

Also read: What are the essential soft skills that you need to advance in your career?

Key Takeaways

Make it a habit to update your resume for scholarships.

Preparing your scholarship resume is as easy as making a list. It only requires a little time and self-examination to produce a scholarship resume by including your personal academic accomplishments.

Once you have finished compiling your master resume, remove all irrelevant information from it.

• Then include the most updated contact information .
• Write a targeted scholarship resume profile on the header.
• Include relevant section headers and prioritize the "Education" section.
• Prioritize Work Experiences/Internships in case your scholarship asks for it.
• "Academic Achievements" should be highlighted in your scholarship resume.
• Inspect scholarship resume samples to understand how to tailor your resume.
• Include more information around projects and extra-curricular.

Although your resume for scholarships should be ready to fit any scholarship or college admission applications, you must constantly tweak the necessary information to tailor it according to the description in the scholarship.

Go to Hiration career platform which has 24/7 chat support and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries. You can also write to us at [email protected] .

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Scholarship resume example

You’re ready to take the next step in your educational career, and your application has been accepted. The final step is landing that scholarship!

The problem?

Scholarships can be very competitive, and you need to impress the committee if you want to be considered. This means submitting an impressive and stand-out resume.

For inspiration and tips on how to write the best possible resume, check out our guide below, complete with a scholarship resume example.

Resume templates 

Scholarship Resume Example

From the Scholarship resume example  above, you can see the type of content your resume will need to include, and the general layout you will need to stick to.

The rest of this guide will show you how to apply this format to your own unique situation, and create a resume that will attract the best employers in your field.

Scholarship resume layout and format

The format and layout of your resume can make or break its success.

Sure, it’s great to pack your resume with lots of impressive skills and knowledge, but if the page is not structured clearly, hiring managers will struggle to find the important stuff!

Above all, your resume should be easy-to-read and professional looking.

Follow these formatting tips to get noticed.

Tips for resume formatting

• Length: Recruiters often see hundreds of resumes per day – so keep yours under 2 pages in length, if you want to ensure it gets read in full.
• Font and text : Simplicity and a pleasant reading experience are crucial if you want to highlight your most valuable skills to recruiters. Use a clear font (avoid fancy ones) and break up the text in your resume with bullet points to ensure information can be easily consumed.
• Design & structure: Hiring managers should be able to skim through your resume easily and pinpoint the information they want quickly. To help them do this, organize the page into clear sections with bold headings and dividing borders. The design should be clutter-free and professional-looking, with a calm color scheme.
• Photos and images: You don’t have to add a photo to your resume in the States, but some regions and industries like to see them.

Quick tip: Formatting a resume to look professional can be difficult and time-consuming. If you want to create an attractive resume quickly, try our quick-and-easy Resume Builder and use one of their eye-catching resume templates.

Resume layout

Add the following sections when you write your resume .

• Name and contact details – Add to the very top of your resume to introduce yourself and make it super-easy for recruiters to get in touch.
• Resume summary – Reel hiring managers in with an “elevator pitch” style paragraph which sums up your suitability for the job.
• Skills section – A short and sharp list of your most important skills, that can be quickly skim-read.
• Work experience – List your previous jobs (from newest to oldest) detailing the skills learnt and applied in each.
• Education – List your qualifications and professional training.
• Additional info – If it helps your application, you can add an extra section for things like hobbies and interests.

Now, here’s what to include in each of these sections in your resume.

Resume Contact Details

Add your name and contact details to the very top of your resume, making it easy for recruiters to get in touch

• Name and profession title
• Cell phone number – or another number you can answer quickly
• Location – Add your local area such as San Diego or New York – not your full address as that will take up too much space.
• Email address – Use your name or close variation – no nicknames from high school.

You can add a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one – you do not need to include personal details like date of birth or marital status.

Scholarship Resume Summary

Now it’s time to get into the real content of your resume, starting with the summary.

Your resume summary is a short paragraph at the top of the document, and its jobs is to catch the eye of hiring managers by summarizing all your skills and knowledge that are most important to the roles you are applying for.

Top tips for creating an effective resume summary:

• Keep it brief: Your summary is intended to be a high-level introduction to hook readers’ attention, so keep it brief (4-7 lines) – save the details for later in your resume.
• Tailor it: Optimize your summary to match the requirements of your target jobs, by mirroring the key words from the job description as closely as possible.
• Avoid cliches: You may be a “ team player who always give 110%” but generic phrases don’t tell employers much about you in reality – stick to factual information.

Example resume summary for Scholarship

Student of Psychology at Alabama State University, awarded Dean’s List for 3 consecutive years, with 2 study abroad experiences and a semester-long research internship. Significant volunteer experience at the Children’s Hospital Family Support Center and Youth Mentor Program. Seeking funds to continue graduate education at Alabama State University, to continue research into psychological disorders in children.

What to include in your Scholarship resume summary?

• Summary of your experience: What type of organizations have you worked at? What types of roles have you done and what have you contributed to previous employers?
• Relevant skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to the Scholarship, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your resume.
• Important qualifications: Mention any qualifications that are important to your profession in the summary briefly, to show you are qualified for the Scholarship.

Quick tip: Choose from hundreds of pre-written summaries across all industries, and add one to your resume with one click in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder . All written by our recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

Sitting just underneath your resume summary, your core skills section gives recruiters 4-10 of your most in-demand skills in just a glance.

As Scholarships may get hundreds of applications, this is a great way to stand out and quickly grab hiring managers’ attention.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points and highlight attributes that are hyper-relevant to the jobs you are aiming for.

Best skills for your Scholarship resume

• Awards and honors – Showcase these here, such as making the Dean’s List or honor role, being President or VP or a society or student board, or winning an event or tournament.
• Volunteer experience – Include your voluntary/charitable experience, as it’s important to show the reader your extracurricular activities.
• Internships – Highlight previous internships and how they relate to your field of study.
• Certifications – If you’ve gained certifications in specific skills that are pertinent to your field of study, include those here.
• Publications in a student journal – Highlight any publications you hold that are related to your field of study, with a link if possible.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy Resume Builder contains thousands of in-demand skills for every profession that can be added to your resume in seconds – saving you time and greatly improving your chances of landing job interviews.

Resume work experience section

Once you’ve got recruiters interested with your impactful summary, your work experience is where the real detail will lie.

Lay out your previous jobs from current to oldest, detailing what you contributed and achieved in each one.

If you’re highly experienced you can cut this section down to your most recent few years of work, but if you are junior you can bulk this up with voluntary work and college placements.

Structuring your job descriptions

Without a good structure, your job description can look messy and overwhelming to anyone reading them.

Make it easy for recruiters to read your work experience by structuring your roles like this.

Job outline

Kick off each role with a high-level overview to summarize the focus of the job, what the organization/department does, and how you fit into the bigger picture.

Key responsibilities

Then delve into the detail of your job by listing out easy-to-read bullet points which show how you apply your skills in the workplace.

Tailor these bullet points to focus on the skills and knowledge that are required in the jobs you are applying for.

Key achievements

Finish each role by highlighting some impressive achievements you made whilst in the role.

Anything that benefited the employer can be included from making financial savings, to winning new customers.

Quantify your achievements with facts and figures if you can, e.g. “reduced call wait time by 10%”

Example job for Scholarship resume

Worked for a US leading research institute during a semester-long research internship. Supported Dr Joe Bloggs to continue his established mental health research study assessing the effects of a variety of clinical interventions on mental health conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Used appropriate researching tools and techniques to search for, identify, and qualify prospective research subjects
• Recruited study participants, maintained accurate records of data, and safeguarded the confidentiality of subjects
• Conducted quantitative and qualitative research including designing study materials and conducting 1-on-1 and group interviews
• Completed detailed data analysis and reported on the findings

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education resume section

Towards the bottom of your resume, add your education section.

Here you should list your professional qualifications and academic record, such as high school diplomas or college degrees.

If you have lots of work experience, you can keep this section brief (because recruiters will be more interested in your career. If you have little/no experience then you should bulk this section up with plenty of detail.

Additional info for your resume

If you have anything else to add which is relevant to the jobs you are applying for, the additional info section is the place to add it.

Perhaps you have a hobby which involves relevant skills, or maybe you have some awards or publications worth mentioning.

Writing your Scholarship resume

Writing a Scholarship application resume can be challenging but following the steps above will ensure that you land plenty of interviews.

If you want to speed up the process and use an attractive professional template, try out our quick-and-easy Resume Builder .

Good luck with your job search!

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How To Write A Good Scholarship CV/Resume - Sample Scholarship CV/Resume Template

Published: 04 Aug 2020 Scholarship Application 23,052 views

Looking for how to write a good scholarship CV/Resume or searching for sample scholarship CV/Resume template for undergraduate or postgraduate scholarship application . This article is for you. In this article we are going to deliberate on scholarship cv/resume! What is a resume scholarship? First of all, we need to understand that scholarship application process requests many documents such as scholarship essays, motivational letter and resume scholarship. A scholarship CV/ Resume is a document that describes your employment history, your personal profile, your skills and abilities and how they align with the course of study you intend to pursue. A great curriculum vitae for scholarship can make you stand out in the heat of competition. This scholarship CV/Resume can also be an amazing tool for funding requests. You have to persuade the university board that you are the best candidate with a neat and well -  constructed CV. Also you can learn how to write a scholarship essay here  

After reading this article you will learn the following:

• What is a scholarship CV?
• 3 Differences between a scholarship CV and scholarship Resume
• How to write Scholarship CV
• What to include in your scholarship CV
• Formatting Scholarship CVs
•  Sample Scholarship CV Templates

WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP CV

A CV or otherwise called curriculum vitae for scholarship is a document that depicts your academic prowess and career growth. It is a marketing document that is meant to persuade a person in authority that you are most eligible for a position. A scholarship CV is no different from a professional cv, a scholarship CV will encompass contents that is geared towards your interest and goals in the course of study of your choice. Your work should reflect a resume for scholarship interview.

3 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A SCHOLARSHIP CV AND A SCHOLARSHIP RESUME

So it is said that the terms  “resume” and “CV” are used interchangeably. However it is safe to note that there are three minor differences that distinguish resume from cv. This information will go a long way in understanding what is demanded of you. To be accurate, let’s check the three differences.

Order of accomplishment

A CV is usually accepted in a chronological order. The events your professional course are expected to be placed according to their time of accomplishment. A resume, on the other hand, can take various forms : chronological, functional and a cross sectional order.

Scholarship Resume Format 

A CV is quite elaborate on the job responsibilities of each position you ever held in your employment history. Your work, skill and qualification are well – explained and could take much longer to complete, thus they can go beyond three pages. But a resume is more concise. It briefly highlights your work experience and it usually doesn’t exceed two pages. This format is highly appropriate for a resume for scholarship interview.

The CV has a comprehensive content with the educational and professional career you possess. As earlier mentioned, the CV quite detailed in terms of educational qualifications, project and more. But a resume is tailored to the different positions you are applied and provides precise information pertaining to the job in question.

Read Also:   How To Get Scholarships To Study Abroad - 10 Guides on Finding Scholarship

HOW TO WRITE A SCHOLARSHIP CV

Well, when writing a scholarship cv, always remember that your CV should be purposeful. It should emphasize your academic qualifications, your future career prospect and how the course of study of your choice matches your goals. So here are a few tips on how to construct a CV that will impress the university board.

True. Achievements in your CV will convince the university board that you are competent and willing to add value. So making an effort o embellish that section on your CV is not erroneous. However, you have to be cautious of what to write. Abstain from lying or blowing the trumpet. Recruiters have a way of identifying exaggeration and this will affect your candidacy.

Give the needed information

You are adviced to restrict the information on your CV to work experience, academic qualification, mark or percentage, skills, languages, name, contact etc. However, sexual orientation, marital status or religion is not a concern of any recruiter in this case. So abstain from giving unnecessary bits of information and curtail your energy to the most significant.

Always Always  Always  Proofread

Before you send out a CV, always ensure that your document is error -  free. Any grammatical error can affect your impression negatively and this may disqualify you. Also, it is suggested that you construct your cv yourself in order to avoid mismanagement at your CV. Do it yourself and you may have someone to cross – check.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR SCHOLARSHIP CV

Name, professional title and contact information.

The title of your CV should be your name and an acronym that stems from professional qualification (If any). Your phone number and email are equally significant as that would be the means of reaching out to you and informing you for a prospective CV

Professional summary

A professional summary or personal profile briefly introduces to the university board. It encompasses two - three sentences, stating who you are, what you do and why you are applying for the role. It’s essential that you tailor the CV to job position in question.

Education / Qualifications

This is where your academic journey is needed. You are advised to state your institution. Degree,   course of study and dates as well as your grades (CGPA) will be included. If you are a recent graduate, you can simply include projects or course subjects that you have embarked on and are related to the scholarship award. Extra curriculum activities that demonstrated your leadership skills are highly welcome.

Work Experience

This is the section where the university board can evaluate how willing you are to apply the course of study to career path. This is where you place your record of job roles you have performed so far. It is recommended that you use a chronological order starting with your recent experience. When doing so, the company name, starting and ending dates that worked and your job description.

Skills/Abilities

Skills and abilities can be categorized as technical and soft skills. They could range from software development to time management and interpersonal skills and more.

Achievements

In the process of acquiring your education, performing job roles, you must have made special contribution in your journey. You may have even won some awards. So the is where you include your awards. So this is where you include your awards, the dates and the facilitator of these awards or recognition. You will seem more intentional and perceived by the board s a goal oriented and value added individual.

Much further, you will definitely see cv for scholarship samples . These cv for scholarship samples are promising to be a great guide

Find ongoing study abroad scholarships here

RESUME FORMAT FOR  SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

While it is essential to work on your scholarship CV with what to include, it is also important that you present it in a way that it is easy on the eye of the university board. So these are the following tips on the proper scholarship resume format

• Your CV must be one or two pages long
• Bold and Italics can only be used for heading or key highlights
• A neutral font should be used like Times New Romans or Arial
• Avoid uncommon designs or mix of colors
• Use bullets under the key highlights and sections
• Use more than one column and separate the sections clearly to facilitate reading.

SCOLARSHIP CV TEMPLATE

For the purpose of ease and effectiveness, there are diverse websites that can generate a scholarship resume for you such as high school scholarship resume template. This scholarship cv templates are designed to suit your academic goals and career aspirations into a well - fitting scholarship cv. Let's take one example of scholarship resume sample:

SCOLARSHIP CV TEMPLATE FOR UNDERGRADUATES AND POSTGRADUATES

SARAH SMITH, SPHRi

405, Forthland avenue, Atlanta • Georgia, USA • (+49) 06371683965423 • [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

 Fresh graduate with a Bachelor of Science  in Human Resource Management from UCLA (GPA 4.23). Awarded Dean’s List three times. Member of UCLA Golden Key and Phi Theta Kappa. Seeks funds to pursue a Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology at UCLA. Plans to conduct cross-disciplinary research on financial modelling as a cognition tool, as well as the role of natural language acquisition patterns in the development of an organization.

Oct. 2015 - Oct. 2019

University of Los Angeles, California                                                                               

Programme: Bachelor of Science, Human Resource Management   (CGPA: 4.23)

Relevant Coursework: Human Resource Management, Talent Acquisition, Compensation and Benefits, Motivation and Retention, Labor Economics, Industrial Relations, Training and  Development, Health and Safety

WORK EXPERIENCE

Jul. 2018 – Present

HR Intern   

• Supported the optimization and revamping of work productivity across the organization.
• Cooperated with team players to identify relevant staff problems and also  restructuring.
• Conducted A/B testing: formulated hypotheses, set up tests, and analyzed results.

Aug. 2009 – Sep. 2015

Payroll Administrator 

• Prepare and manage payroll processes of employees
• Calculate salaries, wages and overtime wage sheets

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• IT Skills: Proficient user of Front-End Web development (HTML/CSS/JAVASCRIPT), Microsoft Office(Access, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Soft Skills: Analytics, Presentation, Project Management,
• Interests: Reading, Research, Meeting new people, Mixology and Culinary arts, Operations Management, Strategic Marketing Management, Investment Management, E-commerce, Career Development
• Language: Fluent in English, Greek, Beginner in Spanish, French           

ACHIEVEMENTS

Team Lead: Human Resources Management Project  

• Led a 5-Man team to carry out an intensive study on “What causes conflict between Men and Women within an organisation?”

Aug. 2017 - Present

Owner and Chief Editor:  hratschool  

• Managed a blog centered on human resource management practices

Oct. 2016 - May 2017

Chief Target Keeper: Punctual View Concept

• Ensured the goals and objectives of the team were achieved though the management of the team’s routine activities  

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Download the scholarship CV Template

For further guidance, if you are in search of a well constructed and a good - looking resume for scholarship application you can visit Resumelab . Here you can see a website where you can prepare your resume for scholarship quickly and effortlessly. You can introduce any changes within minutes with a variety of templates and great reviews. At Resumelab, you can also find high school scholarship resume template. You will discover free scholarship resume templates with the correct resume format for scholarship application.

The scholarship resume sample above is a winning document to get that scholarship you desire. It can be applied by scholarship candidates who intend to embark on Bachelor's degree, Masters' degree , Ph.D or even high school resume templates. This   scholarship example will serve as a life-saving guide for winning the scholarship of your dreams.

Scholarships are a great feat to accomplish for academic excellence. So you would agree with me that you would do anything to get that award. This means that you are to compose a stellar scholarship CV that is inspiring and easy on the eye. In this article, you have a cv for scholarship example or resume for scholarship application sample resume format, the sections, samples and more tips to guide you into making a more informed decision. For more cv scholarship examples, please resort here.

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How to Write a Personal Statement for a Scholarship + Examples

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the scholarship personal statement, what to include in your personal statement, personal statement example: breakdown + analysis, how to make sure your writing is effective.

Either before or after you’ve gotten into your dream school, you’ll have to figure out how to pay for it. For most students, this involves a combination of financial aid, parent contributions, self-contributions, student loans, and scholarships/grants. Because scholarships are money out of someone else’s pocket that you never have to pay back, they are a great place to start!

Scholarships come in two forms: merit-based and need-based. Need-based scholarships are also often called grants. These designations tell you whether an organization looks at your financial situation when deciding about your scholarship.

Additionally, different scholarships fall under different categories based on the mission of the organization or person providing the scholarship’s financing. These missions typically emphasize different things like academic achievement, specific career goals, community service, leadership, family background, skill in the arts, or having overcome hardship. As you select scholarships to apply for and complete your applications, you should keep these missions in mind.

No matter what type of scholarship you are applying for, you will be asked to provide the review committee with standard materials. This includes your transcript, GPA, and resume/extracurriculars, but also, importantly, your personal statement. A scholarship personal statement is a bit different from your normal college essay, so we’ve put together this guide and some examples to help you get started!

The purpose of your personal statement is to help a review committee learn more about your personality, values, goals, and what makes you special. Ultimately, like with your college essays, you are trying to humanize your profile beyond your transcript, GPA, and test scores.

College essays all have one goal in mind (which is why you can apply to multiple schools at once through applications like the Common App or Coalition App): convince admissions officers that you would be a valuable addition to the university environment. The goal of your scholarship personal statement is different and differs more from one scholarship to the next. Rather than convincing various review committees that you are a generally good candidate for extra funding for college, you need to convince each review committee that your values have historically aligned with their organization’s mission and will continue to align with their organization’s mission.

Common missions amongst those who give scholarships include:

• Providing opportunities for students with career ambitions in a particular field
• Helping students who have experienced unexpected hardship
• Supporting students who show outstanding academic achievement
• Funding the arts through investing in young artists with strong technical skill
• Supporting the development of civic-minded community service leaders of the future
• Providing opportunities for historically underrepresented ethnic communities 

If a specific mission like this is outlined on an organization’s website or in the promotional material for its scholarship, the purpose of your personal statement is to show how you exemplify that mission.

Some scholarships ask for your personal statement to be guided by a prompt, while others leave things open for interpretation. When you are provided a prompt, it is obvious what you must do: answer the prompt. When you are not provided a prompt, you want to write a personal statement that is essentially a small-scale autobiography where you position yourself as a good investment. In either case, you should identify a focus or theme for what you are trying to say about yourself so that your application does not get lost in the shuffle.

Prompts include questions like:

• Why do you deserve this scholarship?
• How have you shown your commitment to (leadership/community service/diversity) in your community?
• When did you overcome adversity?
• Why is attending college important to you?

If you are provided a prompt, develop a theme for your response that showcases both your values and your achievements. This will help your essay feel focused and will subsequently help the review committee to remember which candidate you were as they deliberate.

Themes include things like:

• I deserve this community service scholarship because my compassion for intergenerational trauma has inspired me to volunteer with a local after-school program. I didn’t just sympathize. I did something about my sympathy because that’s the type of person I am. Within the program, I have identified avenues for improvement and worked alongside full-time staff to develop new strategies for increasing attendance.
• I overcame adversity when my mother had to have a major surgery two months after giving birth to my younger brother. I was just a kid but was thrown into a situation where I had to raise another kid. It was hard, but I’m the kind of person who tries to grow from hard times and, through my experience taking care of a baby, I learned the importance of listening to body language and nonverbal cues to understand the needs of others (baby and nonbaby, alike).

Without a prompt, clarity can be harder to achieve. That said, it is of the utmost importance that you find a focus. First, think about both your goals and your values.

Types of goals include:

• Career goals
• Goals for personal growth
• The type of friend you want to be
• The change you want to make in the world

Values could include:

• Authenticity
• And many more!

After you write out your goals/values, write out your achievements to see what goals/values you have “proof” of your commitment to. Your essay will ultimately be an exploration of your goal/value, what you have done about your goal/value in the past, and what you aspire to in the future.

You might be tempted to reflect on areas for improvement, but scholarships care about you living out your values. It is not enough to aspire to be exemplary in leadership, community service, or your academic field. For scholarships, you have to already be exemplary.

Finally, keep in mind that the review committee likely already has a copy of your extracurricular activities and involvement. Pick one or two accomplishments, then strive for depth, not breadth as you explore them.

My interest in the field of neuroscience began at a young age.  When I was twelve years old, my sister developed a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri following multiple concussions during a basketball game.  It took the doctors over six months to make a proper diagnosis, followed by three years of treatment before she recovered.  During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions.  Later, my love of neuroscience was amplified when my mother began to suffer from brain-related health issues.  My mother had been a practicing attorney in Dallas for over twenty years.  She was a determined litigator who relentlessly tried difficult cases that changed people’s lives.  Now, she suffers from a cognitive impairment and is no longer able to practice law.  Oftentimes, she has headaches, she gets “cloudy,” her executive functioning slows down, she feels overwhelmed, and she forgets things.  My mother has gone from being the strong, confident, emotional and financial caretaker of our family to needing significant help on a daily basis. Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.

Due to my experiences with my mother and sister when I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the field of neuroscience.  I also knew that, to obtain this goal, I needed to maintain superior grades in school while also pursuing opportunities outside of school to further my education.  In school, I was able to maintain superior grades to the point where I am currently valedictorian in a class of 567 students.  In addition, in school, I challenged myself by taking 16 Advanced Placement classes and 19 Honors classes.  Two of the most beneficial classes were AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research.  AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research are research-oriented classes where students are given the opportunity to pursue whatever track their research takes them down.  As a junior in AP Capstone Seminar, I researched the effects of harmful pesticide use on the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.  This year, as a senior in AP Capstone Research, I am learning about the effects of medical marijuana on the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  

Outside of school, I furthered my education through taking advantage of the Duke TiP summer program. Duke TiP is a summer program run by Duke University where students who score extremely well on the SAT as middle schoolers are able to take college classes at different universities throughout the summers of their middle school and high school years.  I took advantage of this opportunity twice.  First, I went to Trinity University in San Antonio to expand my horizons and learn more about debate.  However, once I was done exploring, I decided I wanted to go into neuroscience.  This led me to take an Abnormal Psychology class at Duke University’s West Campus.  This class opened my eyes to the interaction between neuroscience and mental health, mental illness, and personality.  Years later, I am currently continuing my education outside of school as an intern at the University of Texas Dallas Center for Brain Health.  Through this internship, I have been able to see different aspects of neuroscience including brain pattern testing, virtual reality therapy, and longitudinal research studies.  With this background, I have positioned myself to be accepted by top neuroscience programs throughout the nation.  So far, I have been accepted to the neuroscience department of University of Southern California, the University of Virginia, the University of Texas, and Southern Methodist University, as well as the chemistry department at University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.  

It is with this passion for neuroscience driven by my family and passion for education driven by internal motivation that I will set out to conquer my career objectives.  My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in a biological or health science that would assist me in pursuing a medical career as a neuroscience researcher.  I decided to attain a career as a researcher since my passion has always been assisting others and trying to improve their quality of life.  After obtaining my Masters and my PhD, I plan to become a professor at a prestigious university and continue performing lab research on cognitive disorders.  I am particularly interested in disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  In the lab, I hope to find different therapies and medications to help treat the 3.5 million people around the world suffering from ASD.  Furthermore, I want to contribute back to underserved populations that struggle because they do not have as much access to medical assistance as other privileged groups.  As such, I hope to do a part of my research in less developed or developing Spanish-speaking countries. This will also allow me to pursue my love of Spanish while pursuing my love of neuroscience.  I think that following such a career path will provide me the opportunity to learn about the medical needs of the autistic community and improve their quality of health.  Furthermore, I hope to train a new generation of students to strive to research and make comparable discoveries.  Whether it be through virtual reality labs or new drug discoveries, I believe that research leads to innovation which leads to a brighter future. 

This student does a great job of making themself appear competent and dedicated to the field of neuroscience. This is primarily because they provided tangible evidence of how they have pursued their dedication in the past—through their AP Capstone courses, their Abnormal Psychology class at Duke TiP, and their internship at UTD. There is no doubt in the mind of a reader that this student is high-achieving. 

This student also engages successfully with a past-future trajectory, where they end with a vision of how they will continue to use neuroscience in the future. This helps the review committee see what they are investing in and the ways that their money will go to good use.

This student has two major areas for improvement. As we have said, the purpose of a personal statement is for a student to humanize themself to a review committee. This student struggles to depict themself separately from their academic achievements. A solution to this would be for the student to establish a theme towards the beginning of their essay that relates to both their values as a human and their achievements.

At the beginning of the essay, the student explores how their interest in neuroscience began. They explain their interest through the following sentences: “During this time, my love for neuroscience was sparked as I began to research her condition and, then, other neurocognitive conditions” and “Once again, with this illness came a lot of research on my part — research that encouraged me to pursue my dreams of exploring neuroscience.” The student made the great decision to tell the backstory of their interest, but they described their research in very mundane and redundant terms. Instead, they could have focused on their value of intellectual curiosity as a magnetic force that encouraged them to research their mother and sister’s ailments. Curiosity, then, could serve as a value-related thematic throughline to taking AP Capstone classes, taking college courses during the summer that weren’t required, and interning before even graduating high school.

A second area for improvement would be avoiding statistics. As the student identifies their valedictorian status and the number of AP classes they have taken, they might turn away certain personalities on a review committee by appearing braggy. Even further, these statistics are a waste of space. The review committee already has access to this information. These words distract from the major theme of the essay and would have been better used to humanize the student.

Throughout my academic career, I have been an avid scholar, constantly pushing myself towards ambitious goals. I held and continue to hold myself to a high standard, enrolling myself in rigorous curriculum, including Honors and Advanced Placement courses to stretch my mental potential. During my junior year of high school, I took four AP tests, two on the same day, and earned the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Additionally, I received the Letter of Commendation for the PSAT/NMSQT, and qualified for Rotary Top 100 Students both my freshman and senior year, a sign of my commitment to my studies. However, school has not been all about having the best GPA for me; beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem. I always give each class my best effort and try my hardest on every assignment. My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result. It is a major goal of mine to continue to aspire towards a high level of achievement regarding future educational and occupational endeavors; I plan on continuing this level of dedication throughout my educational career and implementing the skills I have learned and will learn into my college experience and beyond.

This fall, I will begin attending the University of California Los Angeles as an English major. I chose this major because I am fascinated by written language, especially its ability to convey powerful messages and emotions. I also enjoy delving into the works of other authors to analyze specific components of their writing to discover the meaning behind their words. In particular, I cannot wait to begin in-depth literary criticism and learn new stylistic techniques to add more depth to my writing. Furthermore, I recently went to UCLA’s Bruin Day, an event for incoming freshmen, where I was exposed to many different extracurriculars, some of which really piqued my interest. I plan on joining the Writing Success Program, where I can help students receive free writing help, and Mock Trial, where I can debate issues with peers in front of a real judge. The latter, combined with a strong writing background from my undergraduate English studies will be extremely beneficial because I plan to apply to law school after my undergraduate degree. As of now, my career goal is to become a civil rights lawyer, to stand up for those who are discriminated against and protect minority groups to proliferate equality.

As a lawyer, I wish to utilize legislation to ameliorate the plight of the millions of Americans who feel prejudice and help them receive equity in the workplace, society, and so on. Though this seems a daunting task, I feel that my work ethic and past experience will give me the jumpstart I need to establish myself as a successful lawyer and give a voice to those who are often unheard in today’s legal system. I have been a Girl Scout for over a decade and continually participate in community service for the homeless, elderly, veterans, and more. My most recent project was the Gold Award, which I conducted in the Fullerton School District. I facilitated over ten workshops where junior high students taught elementary pupils STEM principles such as density and aerodynamics via creative activities like building aluminum boats and paper airplanes. I also work at Kumon, a tutoring center, where I teach students to advance their academic success. I love my job, and helping students from local schools reach their potential fills me with much pride.

Both being a Girl Scout and working at Kumon have inspired me to help those in need, contributing significantly to my desire to become a lawyer and aid others. My extracurriculars have allowed me to gain a new perspective on both learning and teaching, and have solidified my will to help the less fortunate. In college, I hope to continue to gain knowledge and further develop my leadership skills, amassing qualities that will help me assist others. I plan to join multiple community service clubs, such as UCLA’s local outreach programs that directly aid residents of Los Angeles. I want to help my fellow pupils as well, and plan on volunteering at peer tutoring and peer editing programs on campus. After college, during my career, I want to use legal tactics to assist the underdog and take a chance on those who are often overlooked for opportunities. I wish to represent those that are scared to seek out help or cannot afford it. Rather than battling conflict with additional conflict, I want to implement peaceful but strong, efficient tactics that will help make my state, country, and eventually the world more welcoming to people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. These goals are close to my heart and therefore I will be as diligent as I am passionate about them. My perseverance and love for learning and community service drive my ambition in both education and life as a whole, and the drive to make the world a better place is one that I will carry with me for my entire life.

This student emphasizes two values in this essay: hard work and community service. These are values that go together nicely, and definitely make sense with this student’s end goal of becoming a civil rights lawyer! That said, some changes could be made to the way the student presents their values that would make their personal statement more convincing and engaging.

Structurally, instead of using a past-future trajectory, this student starts by explaining their academic achievements, then explains their career goals, then explains their history of community service, then explains their future desires for community service. This structure loses the reader. Instead, the student should have started with either the past or the future. 

This could look like 1) identifying their career goals, 2) explaining that hard work and a commitment to community service are necessary to get there, and 3) explaining that they aren’t worried because of their past commitment to hard work and community service. Or it could look like 1) providing examples of their hard work and community service in the past, then 2) explaining how those values will help them achieve their career goals.

Additionally, like with our other example, this student shows a heavy investment in statistics and spouting off accomplishments. This can be unappealing. Unfortunately, even when the student recognizes that they are doing this, writing “beyond the numbers, I have a deep drive to learn which motivates me to do well academically. I truly enjoy learning new things, whether it be a new essay style or a math theorem,” they continue on to cite their achievements, writing “My teachers have noticed this as well, and I have received school Lancer Awards and Student of the Month recognitions as a result.” They say they are going beyond the numbers, but they don’t go beyond the awards. They don’t look inward. One way to fix this would be to make community service the theme around which the essay operates, supplementing with statistics in ways that advance the image of the student as dedicated to community service.

Finally, this student would be more successful if they varied their sentence structure. While a small-scale autobiography can be good, if organized, every sentence should not begin with ‘I.’ The essay still needs to be engaging or the review committee might stop reading.

Feedback is ultimately any writer’s best source of improvement! To get your personal statement edited for free, use our Peer Review Essay Tool . With this tool, other students can tell you if your scholarship essay is effective and help you improve your essay so that you can have the best chances of gaining those extra funds!

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The Army ROTC Scholarship Resume: How to Write it, What to Include

LTC Robert Kirkland

6 minute read

Starting in 2021, Army ROTC started requiring candidates to upload a resume as part of the online application. The resume is designed to supplement the activities section of the application. It is a critical component designed to supplement the activities section of the application, shedding light on your accomplishments, values, and dedication.

Students should create a resume that highlights their desire to become an Army officer. Let’s dive into how to communicate everything the scholarship board is looking for to help you obtain Army ROTC scholarships. This will help you compete for a three or four year ROTC scholarship.

Understanding the Resume’s Role in the Application Process

Before diving into the intricacies of the resume, it’s pivotal to understand its significance.

ROTC ranks applicants on a 1400-point scale using the following weights:

SAT/ACT Scores – 250 Points

Scholar, Athlete, Leadership Area – 200 Points

Interview – 200 Points

Selection Board Score – 350 Points

Civilian Background Experience Form – 250 Points

Physical Fitness Test – 140 Points

The resume is considered when awarding points for the Interview as well as the Selection Board Score. It is read before the scholarship interview by the Army ROTC officer who conducts the interview and is also reviewed by board members when they give a board score for the overall applicant file.

The Interview: Before the scholarship interview, the Army ROTC officer meticulously reviews your resume. It helps set the stage for the ensuing conversation, allowing the officer to gauge your qualifications and interests.

Selection Board Review: Board members also consider your resume when assigning an overall board score to your application.

Typically the interviewer and selection board members have significant time in the military (most likely Lieutenant Colonels and above). Attention to detail is important here.

Note that it is NOT used to determine Scholar, Athletics and Leadership (SAL) Points. The sole determining factor for SAL points is the activities section of the application. In short, the resume is looked at and considered but not given its own category for points.

It is important to have a resume which will reflect well on the candidate. So how do you put together a great resume?

• How to Structure Your Army ROTC Scholarship Resume

There are many resume writing techniques but there is a specific format which aligns best with what Army ROTC is looking for.

Here are steps to creating an excellent Army ROTC scholarship resume:

List everything you’ve done

Go into more detail on each event/opportunity/award

Organize your accomplishments

Format everything properly, check over everything and make sure it looks appealing

Have someone review your resume (at least one person)

• 1. Make a List

Start by listing out everything you can think of that you’ve accomplished or been a part of over your high school career. We mean everything here, you want to think back to those minor volunteer events or awards you may have received. Once you’ve written everything down, you can begin to organize your accomplishments.

• 2. Go into Detail

Highlight your accomplishments by discussing the impact you made. How many did you lead? How much money did you raise? If you were chosen for an award, how many other students were eligible? If you placed at Districts, how many teams did you beat?

3. Organize Your Resume Using the SAL Method

Army ROTC awards scholarships to Scholar-Athlete-Leaders , known by the acronym SAL. Therefore, it is best to divide your resume in three sections that address each of these areas.

• Scholar Section

Include your GPA (both weighted and unweighted), SAT and/or ACT super score, and senior year courses.

You might also include separate subsections which address awards/achievements as well as any research you have done. This can be such things as honor roll, principals list or National Honor Society.

• Athlete Section

Include sports you have participated in both in and out of school. How many junior varsity or varsity letters you achieved, and any awards or honors both at the high school level, conference level or higher.

If you were the captain, be sure to include this.

• Leader Section

Include each group or organization which you were a participant but ideally the leader of.

Be sure to discuss your duties and responsibilities as well as the notable activities or events you participated in or led.

• 4. Format Your Resume

Attention to detail is critical here. Make sure your resume is visually appealing. Organize things in a way that makes sense, usually we recommend chronologically.

Aesthetics Matter

It’s important for your resume to not just have quality content but also to look clean and professional. Here’s how to ensure that:

Consistent Font and Size: Choose a professional font like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri and maintain the same font size throughout, except for headings which can be slightly larger.

Use Bullet Points: This makes your resume easy to skim through and keeps the details concise.

Alignments and Spacing: Ensure everything is aligned to the left and maintain consistent spacing between sections. This aids readability.

Bold and Italics: Use these sparingly. Headings can be bold to make them stand out, and you can use italics to emphasize specific points or titles.

Proofread and Refine

You’ve spent a lot of time crafting your resume, so the last thing you’d want is a minor typo undermining your efforts.

Grammar and Spelling: Ensure there are no spelling errors or grammatical mistakes. These can come across as careless and detract from the professionalism of your resume.

Consistency: Ensure the tense, abbreviations, and formats are consistent throughout the resume.

Clarity and Precision: Make sure each point is clear and doesn’t require further clarification. Avoid jargon unless it’s widely understood.

• 5. Seek Feedback

This step is essential. A fresh pair of eyes can pick up on things you might have missed.

Mentor/Teacher Review: If you have a teacher, counselor, or coach who you trust, ask them to take a look. They can provide valuable feedback not just on the format but also on the content. Someone with military experience can also provide valuable insight.

• Example of an Army ROTC Scholarship Resume

We have included an example of an Army ROTC scholarship resume to give you an idea of the level of detail we suggest going into.

Make the Right Impression with your Interviewer as well as the Selection Board

A well-crafted resume not only details your achievements but also provides a window into your dedication, commitment, and alignment with the Army ROTC’s values. By adopting the Scholar, Athlete, Leader model for the resume, it will get closest to what Army ROTC is looking for in the resume.

We wish you the best of luck as you work towards an Army ROTC scholarship!

Article Contents

• Understanding the Resume’s Role in the Application Process

Never Miss an Army ROTC Scholarship Deadline

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Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kirkland (USA, Ret.) is an expert on military admissions and leadership. He served for over 25 years in the United States Army, including stints as an instructor at West Point and as a commander of two Army ROTC programs. He has helped students win ROTC scholarships for 8 years.

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