Smith Scholarship 2020 UPDATE

OK. We now know what is expected on the Smith application. It is VERY intense...when done, it is 42 pages of information printed. EVERYTHING HAS TO BE SUBMITTED ONLINE, and you will need help, so start it NOW.

(These responses need to be about 250 words.  MAKE THEM THOUGHTFUL ANSWERS...SOMETHING THAT WILL STAND OUT).

• Describe a special person (friend, teacher, relative) who has helped you in good and bad times?
• What are your greatest STRENGTHS or TALENTS?
• What is the greatest weakness or the biggest mistake you have ever made? (Please describe in detail--Do not limit your answer to “stole a candy bar”)
• What have you done to combat this weakness or changes you have made to prevent yourself from repeating this mistake?  
• Explain your Financial Need.  Write about your family life, income, and other restraints that contribute to your Financial need.
• Why do you want to go to College?  

SMITH (up to $15,000 per year for 4 years)

IN PAST YEARS, WINNERS HAVE WORKED 3—6 weeks on the application.  YOU MUST HAVE ALL ESSAYS DONE BY January 6^th so I have time to edit them all.

• ·       ACT of 20 or higher
• ·       3.0 or higher GPA
• ·       Pages 1 and 2 of your parents’ 1040 (Scan and your Google Drive)
• ·       FAFSA SAR (Download and put in your Google Drive)
• ·       TRANSCRIPT
• ·       ESSAYS (START THE APPLICATION TO SEE WHAT IS REQUIRED).  Let me know your email and password.
• ·       FULL LIST of Community Service and volunteer work  (estimate the total number of hours)
• ·       FULL LIST of Honors and Awards
• ·       Leadership—If you have held office in an organization or have been a TRIO Upward Bound Ambassador, put this on your résumé.

Here are the new Smith questions (2020) 

Provide your own personal reasons instead of generic standard examples.

The Essay (Actually, there are 2).

·        Applicants own essay on future plans of accomplishment for yourself.  It is important that organization, spelling, grammar as well as content be reviewed or proofread.  (At least 500 words minimum, 1000 preferably)

·        Applicant’s own essay documenting community and civic oriented activities or assistance to family.  (At least 500 words minimum, 1000 words preferably)

I will be available on January 2, 3rd, and 6th. My suggestion is that you MAKE TIME to come to UM to work on this.