What makes a competitive candidate for Nationally Competitive Awards?

It depends on the award! Some awards prioritize research ability, others look at academic accomplishment in your field of study, some are focused on commitment to public service or leadership. However, there are some qualities that many awards look for and that tend to make a student highly competitive for these opportunities:

  • High Academic Achievement: This usually manifests as a high GPA (3.8+ or 3.9+ for some awards) and good grades in challenging coursework. It can also mean that you have earned academic honors/scholarships, etc. Note that not all awards require a high GPA.
  • Service / Community Involvement: This is authentic and sustained engagement with relevant service opportunities, campus and community groups, and demonstrated service to the public and/or your professional field.
  • Leadership Skills: Leadership of peer or community groups with demonstrated results, both on campus and off. The best examples are those in which you have a high degree of autonomy and have spearheaded initiatives or set goals and achieved them, moving the needle in a meaningful way for that group.
  • Promising Career Impact: Many nationally competitive awards are looking to invest in students who will be the next generation of scholars, leaders, and change-makers in their respective fields. It is essential to have clear career plans/future goals and be able to articulate them and how your current path prepares you for that future.
  • Demonstrated Experience: Most awards want to see evidence that you have a strong connection to whatever it is you are applying for, and that you have some relevant background experience. This might mean that it helps to have some peer mentoring experience if you are applying for a teaching award, relevant language skills if you are going abroad, or that you have completed undergraduate research projects if you are applying for a research award. 

If you are early in your college career, you may wish to work toward building up your experience in these areas, as these qualities tend to be highly useful for many types of opportunities (nationally competitive awards, grad school applications, job applications, etc.). 

Am I a strong candidate?

Consider the following:

  • Compare the requirements and aims of the award you are interested in with your qualifications and relevant experience. Do you feel it's a good match?
  • Do you have several of the qualities listed above? 

Our office is happy to help you decide whether you are a good fit and a strong candidate for an award. Please review the Awards Directory for possible award opportunities and schedule an appointment with us to discuss your candidacy. We may have ideas you had not previously considered!