Application Guideline

There have been a number of frequent errors over the years that have cost scholarship applicants score opportunities in their applications. Here are some areas to avoid or check

1) Incomplete or Illegible applications. Some neglect to include the most recent report card, or do not make sure that all pages of their application were scanned. Applications are reviewed "as-is" and we will not reach out for missing information. It is the Student's responsibility to assure the application is complete. Make sure all information is typed or written in black or blue ink and is legible. Some applicants have lost points because we could not read the information.

2) Repeated activities. An activity should only be listed under one subject. If you list "Travel Baseball" under "Athletics", do not also list it under "Extracurriculars". Be sure to respond to the question! If the question requests three examples, provide three, or explain why more are not available.

3) Spelling/Grammar Errors. Check your application closely. You are demonstrating that you are good student who will do well in the High School environment. Errors will count against the overall score.

4) Essay Errors. Read the question(s) carefully and fully respond to what was asked. Your opinions and personal feelings are acceptable in the essay. This is not a factual report, and we do not expect a history of St. Thomas Aquinas or unrelated items to what was asked.

5) Don't "re-write" the question. Some students try to write why good grades are important, instead of responding to the question on what they learned from their experience. Answer the question that was asked.

6) Not enough details. Items such as "Helped with a food drive" or "worked Fish Fry" are vague and it's hard to understand if the student just brought in a box of Mac & Cheese, or if they "sorted goods, loaded boxes, and delivered food to the pick-up location." Details are important.

Interview Tips

If you have been selected for an interview with the Selection Committee - CONGRATULATIONS! Interviews are usually the first or second week of May, and the chairperson will contact a parent with the time and place. The interview does not last more than 15 minutes, and is a chance to get to know you. Each person on the committee will ask you a couple of questions. These may relate to your application, so be sure to review it ahead of time. There is nothing to study for, and just relax and be yourself. We want to get to know you as a person, and there are no "right" or "wrong" answers.