On this page you will find more detailed advice for students regarding the application components and how to become competitive as well as specific advice for those who will be writing letters of recommendation.
Figuring out where to start can be a challenge. To begin with it is important to know what scholarships are available. Once you have identified the ones you are interested in it is important to remember that some will require that you submit your application through Lafayette while others require that you submit your application directly to the scholarship itself.
Scholarships requiring Lafayette submission or nomination have campus deadlines up to several months in advance of the foundation deadlines. For these scholarships, your application will be reviewed by a Lafayette selection committee which will determine which applications may be submitted to the scholarship itself. If you apply to one of these scholarships without first receiving the go-ahead from the Lafayette selection committee, the application will be disqualified by the scholarship foundation.
Most scholarships, however, do not require that you first need to secure permission to apply from Lafayette. For these non-nominated scholarships, you must apply and submit your application on your own. Our office is here to help with crafting essays and general questions you may have. Contact us if you require assistance at externalscholarships@lafayette.edu or at 610-330-5521.
Having identified the programs that you are interested in, you need to pay attention to their eligibility and selection criteria.
You should not limit your scholarship search to those scholarships for which you are currently eligible but should plan ahead for those you would like to apply for down the road. This is true regardless of your class year. So, for instance, as a first or second year student, you should look at scholarships that you could be interested in as a junior or senior and plan your time putting together a competitive application.
Selection Criteria
Although each fellowship has a different emphasis, certain characteristics are desirable for candidates for any award. The Fellowships and Scholarships Office can assist students in displaying the desired characteristics on their applications and in interviews. Above all, students should exhibit commitment to society, commitment to self, and commitment to career.
Candidates Should Demonstrate:
We have put together a list of attributes and suggestions to help you become a competitive applicant as well as a timeline designed to guide you through your four years at the College. Once you decide to apply, you will need to write your scholarship essays, put together a résumé, and ask for strong letters of recommendation.