Why Your 4.0 GPA Will Not Get You a Scholarship
Scholarship donors are looking for more than a high GPA from their applicants. A 4.0 GPA will certainly get your scholarship application in the “consider” pile, though it may not be enough to win you the award. Donors want their students to be well-rounded individuals. Involvement in extracurricular activities at school and in the community can actually outweigh even the not-so-great GPA. And without those activities, an application with a perfect GPA may not even be considered.
Athletics
Playing on one of your school’s sports teams is a great way to get involved. To qualify for an athletic scholarship, you’ll need to do more than just list it on your application. Find out when and where the college coaches will be doing their scouting. Every sport has its own special premier events where you can showcase your talent. If your high school doesn’t have a team for your favorite sport, find a way to stay involved in that sport; even if it is recreationally.
Other Extracurricular Activities
If you have no interest in playing a sport in school, there are plenty of other extracurricular activities in which you can participate. What are your interests, strengths, and hobbies? You will most likely be able to find an activity that relates to them and will look great on your scholarship application. The activity does not need to be provided by your school. Here are some ideas:
- Play an instrument, whether in your school band or on your own.
- Perform in plays and theater productions. Join the school drama club or community actors club.
- Become a member of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC, Big Brother/Big Sister, or other youth programs.
- Join an art enrichment program. Draw, paint, sculpt, etc.
- Dance in your school club or at a local dance studio. Try ballet, jazz, tap, swing, ballroom competition, native dance, interpretive dance, etc.
- Volunteer at church, the local food bank or any non-profit agency.
Participate in any of the above programs and you are sure to improve your odds of getting a scholarship award. These activities will also carry over to your college application making you a prime candidate for acceptance. Depending on the type of activity in which you participate and the level of your involvement, you can put together quite an impressive activities portfolio (including photo slideshows, videos, and more) to accompany your scholarship and college admission applications.
Elizabeth Dennis writes about random scholarships for The Scholarship Catalog. She also writes for the popular woodwinds instruments Guide.
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