In addition to the obligatory common forms, nearly all scholarships require additional documents — most commonly Confidential Evaluation Forms, essays, or a list of references. Information, instructions and advice for each of these types of documents can be found below. Students with further questions on these or any supplementary documents that are not discussed here should email Ms. Sarah Ownby (sarah.ownby@hoodriver.k12.or.us) or Ms. Meleah Bauman (meleah.bauman@hoodriver.k12.or.us).
Note: This year students must submit their common forms through Kaleidoscope before they will be able to apply for any individual scholarships / submit supplementary documents
Start early on your essays and other supplementary documents, and don’t forget to make use of writing labs and other students resources.
Confidential Evaluation Forms (CEF)
A Confidential Evaluation Form is a tool that allows a scholarship committee to get to know applicants through the eyes of a teacher, coach, employer or mentor. Because the form is confidential, the CEF is the only form that students do not submit. Instead, students will need to make a request to a teacher (etc.) to complete and submit the form on their behalf. Click the link above for detailed instructions.
Confidential Evaluation Forms invitations are made in Kaleidoscope as part of your scholarship application. You will be prompted to enter the name and email address of the person filling out your Confidential Evaluation and Kaleidoscope will then send them the form. Your teacher (etc) will be notified of the request via email and you will receive a notification when they submit the form for your application.
Don’t wait until you’re applying to let a teacher, coach, or employer know that you want them to fill out a CEF for your scholarship application. Teachers will receive dozens of requests for Confidential Evaluation Forms. CEFs take time, effort, and careful consideration. Students are encouraged to make any requests as soon as possible.
Advice for Requesting a Confidential Evaluation Form- Always give the person completing a CEF as much notice as possible.
- Do not wait for the deadline to request a CEF.
- Ask if there is any other information they would like you to provide about your classes, activities, etc.
- If you decide not to apply for a scholarship, let them know immediately.
- Always send a thank you note regardless of whether you receive the scholarship.
Essays & Personal Statements
A scholarship essay is a chance for students to introduce themselves to a scholarship committee in their own words. These statements are an opportunity to discuss your accomplishments, experiences, and your goals and hopes for the future. As such, the essay is an important part of your scholarship application and students are encouraged to be thoughtful and thorough when planning, writing, and editing scholarships essays.
Advice for Writing an EssayPlan:
- Always follow instructions regarding word/page limits, spacing, content, and any other specific rules.
- Learn about the scholarship organization and their values; know your audience.
- Jot down your thoughts or any points you want to mention in your essay.
Write:
- Never wait until the last minute to start writing your essay.
- Use a formal essay structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Be yourself! Remember, the scholarship committee wants to get to know you.
- Be professional. Use standard English, minimize the use of exclamation points, and save the lols / memes for social media.
Proofread:
- Always proofread your essay before submitting.
- Double check the formatting rules and requirements; make sure you followed the word/page limits.
- Ask a teacher, parent or friend with strong writing skills to proofread your essay (give them time to read and give feedback)
List of References
Scholarship committees may ask applicants for one or more ‘references’, also known as a ‘List of References’. A reference is an individual in your life (teacher, coach, mentor, employer, etc.) who can vouch for your character, skills, and goals. A reference does not use a confidential evaluation form. Instead, students provide the names and contact information for one or more individuals (depending on the scholarship) and the scholarship committee contacts your references while reviewing your application.
Advice for Your List of References- A reference should be someone who knows you well and who will be your cheerleader.
- Always ask someone to be your reference before listing them as a reference.
- Always ask which email and/or phone number they would prefer you use.
- Email your reference a link to the scholarship(s) for which they are listed as a reference so that they are informed and prepared when contacted by the scholarship committee.
- Ask if there is any other information your reference would like you to provide about your classes, activities, etc.
- If you decide not to apply for a scholarship, let your reference know.
- Always send a thank you note to your reference regardless of whether you receive the scholarship.
