Hoping to score a scholarship? Here's how to spend your summer!

A group of people sit and talk around a table

Relax, recharge and have some fun, but be sure to squeeze in these four tasks before summer ends! You’ll have less stress when you’re balancing homework, applying to college, and searching for scholarships this fall.

1. Find an activity that lets you explore your interests.

If you haven’t been able to find a part-tme job or internship to build your skills and knowledge, there’s still time to pursue independent study, perform your own research project, or take an online course through edX or Coursera.

You’ll learn more about a subject you might want to major in, and you’ll have new insight to share when you write essays for colleges and scholarships.

 

2. Reflect and reach out to mentors.

Do you know who you would ask to write a recommendation for your application? Make a list of teachers and mentors from junior year who can write strongly about your talents and achievements. Even if you didn’t receive the highest grade in the class, perhaps you really stretched yourself or saw things from a new perspective.

Send them a thank you note and describe what made learning from them so memorable. Staying in touch will show teachers that you’re serious about your success. And when it’s time to request a recommendation, you’ll have more of a relationship

 

3. Sign up to receive an email alert when our scholarship opens!

Each year, we award talented students with financial need for tuition and other living expenses. Cooke Scholars also have opportunities for internships, study abroad, graduate school funding, and joining a community of scholars. Click the button below to receive an email when the scholarship application opens in the fall.

 

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4. Register for the SAT and/or the ACT if required by the colleges you’re applying to

Many scholarships and schools require these scores for eligibility. It may take five to seven weeks for your scores to be available online, so be sure to register for a test date well ahead of the scholarship deadlines. If you register late, there may be additional fees.

If you would like to apply for a fee waiver, both the SAT and the ACT require you to request one from your school counselor.