Bur Oak Secondary School

1. Understand what is a scholarship and bursary

2. Learn about the different types of scholarships

3. Appreciate what the competition looks like

4. Explore how to become a competitive candidate

5. Understand the process for finding and applying to scholarships

What are they?

• A monetary award given to a student based on merit (it must be earned)o meant solely for education (e.g.

tuition, course texts, residence)

• Awarded based on several criteria; the criteria differs from one scholarship to another

• A minimal application fee is sometimes required

Skills◦ Leadership and Initiative

Shown through your experiences and/or references

Community Involvement Academics Extracurricular Participation

◦ sports, councils, teams, clubs

1.1. Entrance ScholarshipsEntrance Scholarships◦ Based on your overall final grade 12 average OR

your final average in your top six grade 12 “U” or “M” level courses◦ No application required

2.2. Merit ScholarshipsMerit Scholarships◦ Awarded to the most accomplished student, usually in the areas of academics, music, art, or athletics◦ An application is required

3.3. CitizenshipCitizenship ◦ Based on your extracurricular involvement and overall contribution to the community, both in and out of school (e.g. clubs, teams, organizations)◦ An application is required

4.4. Special CircumstancesSpecial Circumstances◦ Based on unique situations, such as your ability to overcome

challenges, speak and study French, invest in the arts, practice a specific faith, etc.

SchoSchoolol

Entrance ScholarshipsEntrance Scholarships

Western 95%+ = $2500 x 4 years90-94.9% = $2000 x 1 year85-89.9% = $1000 x 1 year

McMaster

95%+ = $2500 x 1 year90-94.9% = $1000 x 1 year85-89.9% = $750 x 1 year80-84.9% = $500 x 1 year

Queen’s 90–94.9% = $1500 - $2000 x 1 year95%+ = $4000 x 1 year

Carleton 80-84.9% = $1000 x 4 years85-89.9% = $2000 x 4 years90-94.9% = $3000 x 4 years95-100% = $4000 x 4 years

Brock 80-84.9% = $750 x 1 year85-89.9% = $1000 x 4 years90-92% = $2000 x 4 years + free iPad93%+ = $3500 x 4 years + free iPad

York 95%+ = $3000 x 4 years90-94.9% = $2000 x 4 years85-89.9% = $1000 x 4 years80-84.9% = $500 x 4 years

U of T 92%+ = $2000 (many other scholarships that must be applied to)

• All colleges and universities offer these

• Students only receive ONE entrance scholarship

Athletic financial awards offered by Canadian universities must follow the criteria established by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS)

Scholarship maximum is capped at tuition and compulsory fees◦ Candidates are eligible for awards that will go

beyond this (e.g. academic awards or thoseprovided by sport governing bodies)

Contact the coach of the university teams of interest about tryouts in Grade 12

TD Scholarships for Community Leadership◦ “We’re interested in hearing from students who

have demonstrated consistent and outstanding dedication to solving a community problem or making their community a better place. For example, you may be cleaning up the environment, promoting social justice, or fighting child poverty.”

Awarded up to $10 000 towards tuition EACH year

Awarded $7 500 EACH year for living expenses

Loran Scholar◦ “We are committed to the greatest of Canada's

natural resources: our youth. We work to identify and support talented students who show promise of leadership and a strong commitment to service in the community. We fund these citizens to study on Canadian campuses, to the benefit of their future and ours.”

Tuition WAIVED at 1 of 25 partner universities

AND $9000 stipend (renewable) AND $8500 to initiate a summer

project/internship

Markham District Energy Sustainability Bursary◦ Through Markham District Energy, Bur Oak awards

$1000 to a grade 12 graduate every year

CriteriaHigh school students who have

distinguished themselves through: ◦ academic excellence◦ participation in environmental

extracurricular, volunteer and community service activities

◦ Intend to study science related to the environment full-time at a Canadian college or university

Past President’s Scholarship◦ two $5000 and two $2500 scholarships awarded

annually

Criteria◦ Pursuing a post-secondary education◦ Award based on extent and commitment to

community service◦ 1000-word student essay required◦ Intend to study science related to the environment

full-time at a Canadian college or university

Horatio Alger Scholarship Program◦$5000 scholarship◦Criteria Demonstrate financial need (family

income less than $55 000 a year) Minimum 65% average Involved in co-curricular and community

activities Display integrity and perseverance in

overcoming adversity

The Amazing Travel Scholarship

MERF Scholarship(for those interested in government)

What are they?

a monetary grant (lump sum of money) given to a student who is in need of financial assistance to continue their education  Typically issued to students who

demonstrate the greatest financial need (documentation required)

Bursaries DO NOT have to be repaid

Applications are sometimes required

Students who need financial assistance usually apply for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program)OSAP = money LOANED to students;

money must be repaid, in installments, after graduation

Students who are ineligible for OSAP are generally strong candidates for bursaries

Who are you? What do you stand for?

Academic Achievement

Community Involvement

Extra-Curricular Participation

Honour Roll Meaningfully volunteer at schools, religious institutions, city initiatives

Student Councils

Subject Awards

Initiate or participate in charity worke.g. join an organization (Canadian Cancer Society)

School Clubs- Zero Footprint- Computer Club- Robotics Club

Music Competitions

Get involved in the community e.g. Markham Youth Task Force, Empowered Student Partnerships (ESP)

Yearbook

Art Shows Get involved at BOSSe.g. Peer Tutoring, breakfast club, announcement team

Athletic Teams

Math Contests Band and Choir

Science Olympics

Improv Team

Develop your skills◦ Leadership and initiative are learned behaviours◦ Get involved in your school and/or community and watch

leaders in action. Emulate the behaviours you respect and find effective Ask leaders questions and for opportunities

◦ Join a council, take initiative, and use your role to create change Become a director (this requires one year of council exp.)

Start building your résumé NOW ◦ Keep it updated. Add honours and awards you win, extra-

curricular activities, community volunteer work, and paid work◦ Having a résumé updated and ready allows you to better take

advantage of opportunities that come up

Make a difference and be an agent of change. This requires applying your skills and building your team.◦ Revitalize a club at B.O.S.S. or start a club with a team of

people you know are invested What happened to the school newspaper? I have so many friends that love to dance, can I create a club and

perform at assembles and school events?◦ Ask the right questions and talk to the right people

The Breakfast Club at B.O.S.S. has so much potential. Mr. Hurlington, I have an idea…

I love being a part of my church group. Ms. Lam, how can I take on more responsibility?

Mr. Bulos, I really enjoyed attending the 30 Hour Famine this year. Is anyone planning one for next year?

Those who win scholarships seldom win because they want the money, they win because they are passionate about a cause, are active citizens, and deserve it!◦ Concerned about social justice?

Start an awareness campaign as part of a council or club – use social media, the announcements, the caf projector, our school website, assemblies, and run lunch time events

◦ Passionate about sports? Step up as a team member and push your team’s practice

regiment Initiate a sporting campaign at school (talk to Athletic

Council) or in the community (talk to the City of Markham) to get people active.

What to do

Sign up on scholarship websites to receive regular updates

www.scholarshipscanada.comwww.studentawards.com

Be aware of the different scholarships available◦ Follow guidance on Twitter – @BOSSguidance◦ Check the guidance website for scholarship links and

updates◦ Check the bulletin board outside the guidance office

When applying, be aware of scholarship timelines and requirements well in advance

Be prepared to complete a personal statement or essay◦ Do not let this stop you! ◦ Many scholarships go unawarded because

students do not want to write 500 words. This is not a reason to lose hundreds of dollars!

Book a guidance appointment to discuss your questions or to clarify components of the application◦ We are here to guide you, but the responsibility to

find and learn about scholarships is your own

Assesses your writing and critical thinking skills Is equivalent to an interview Include only relevant details. Do not pad your application with extraneous

unrelated details.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS Answer in 500 words or less:

What leadership qualities do you possess and how do you strive to inspire others?

Describe what you consider to be your most significant contribution to date and its value to your school or larger community. Why was it important to you and to others ?

Describe a time you challenged yourself by taking on a task/project that was beyond your scope and capability at the time. Why did you do it? What happened?

Give the referee all the information they need regarding the scholarship

Give the referee a copy of your résumé that lists your accomplishments

Give the referee TIME to write the letter; a couple of days is NOT enough time

Send thank you notes or emails to people who write letters for you

Tell the truth If necessary, request a letter of

recommendation from teachers and/or community members at least 1 month before submission

If necessary, notify your Guidance Counsellor at least 3 weeks ahead of the deadline

Type the final copy of the essay Application forms should me very neat and

printed in black ink For your own records, make copies of your

application before mailing it out

University of Toronto Book Award

Loran AwardsTD Canada Trust ScholarshipTerry Fox Humanitarian AwardToyota Earth Day ScholarshipBurger King Scholars Award

Professional Engineers Ontario – York Chapter◦ recognizes academic and extracurricular activities

of six students entering a first year engineering program at a Canadian university

◦ three $500 scholarships, three $1000 scholarships

Last year, 44 students applied◦ a student from BOSS was selected!

Applications are due at the end of June