4 answers
Taryn
Student
Bloomfield, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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What are some ways to stand out when applying for scholarships or internships?
How to find opportunities particularly as an ambitious high school senior transitioning into college and majoring in computer science.
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1822
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
1️⃣ STANDOUT ON SCHOLARSHIPS
Taryn when it comes to scholarship opportunities for college, everyone is applying for the same reason: to receive the scholarship money. Depending on the scholarship you’re applying for, you may be one out of hundreds of applicants. Many students are joining the scholarship search to look for ways to pay for college besides taking out student loans. Hears how your scholarship submission can standout.
🧩 PAY ATTENTION TO THE REQUIREMENTS
Many scholarships come with instructions for submitting your application, such as how you format your essay, additional deadlines, or specific documents you should include. Paying attention to details and requirements can make or break whether your application remains in the running or lands on the top of the rejection pile. Double check scholarship rules and requirements to make sure you are following them.
🧿 KNOW YOUR BENEFACTOR
This is key to making your essay more personable. Make sure to research who is offering the scholarship. It may be a foundation, religious group, brand, local business, financial aid office, or even an individual. Familiarize yourself with their mission, events, charities, donations, and any additional information that may be helpful. For example, if you were to apply for a scholarship from Sanford Health you would want to express your interest in working in healthcare. You might explain how passionate you are about serving all ages of patients and how you want to provide them with the best care possible, while trying to make a difference for the organization.
🌀 EMPHASIZE YOUR UNIQUENESS
Many scholarships are based on an applicant's individuality. Putting your unique interests and perspectives on the page will go a long way toward creating a memorable essay. Share the experiences and activities that make YOU unique. You don’t have to limit the experiences you share to only your senior year. Lots of students participate in sports in high school, but maybe you volunteered to help coach children. Many students have a part-time job, but maybe you started a charitable donation program at work. Consider what you can say about yourself that most others will not be able to say.
2️⃣ STANDOUT INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
Before you start writing, thoroughly research the company and the specific internship role you’re applying for. It’s important to understand the company’s mission, values and the skills they’re looking for in an intern. You may not have all the exact qualifications, but try to speak to what you can and use examples of your experience where applicable.
🏆 HIGHLIGHT YOUR RELEVANT SKILLS
In the body of the letter, showcase your most relevant skills and experiences. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities and achievements. Try to focus on how these experiences have prepared you for the internship - and more importantly - how you can contribute to the company. You want to demonstrate what they’ll get out of you just as much as what you’ll get out of it.
🤗 SHOW YOUR ENTHUSIASM
While it’s important to be professional in your letter, it’s also okay (and even encouraged) to show excitement about the opportunity. Explain why you’re passionate about the industry and how the internship aligns with your career goals. By talking about your enthusiasm, you’re showing that you’re more likely to bring your all.
🎯 CLOSE WITH A STRONG CONCLUSION
You’ll want to conclude your application letter by summarising your key points and reiterating your interest in the internship. You’ll also want to thank the employer for considering your application and express your willingness to provide further information or attend an interview. Use a professional closing, such as ‘Sincerely,’ followed by your name.
Hope this will be helpful Taryn, good luck.
Taryn when it comes to scholarship opportunities for college, everyone is applying for the same reason: to receive the scholarship money. Depending on the scholarship you’re applying for, you may be one out of hundreds of applicants. Many students are joining the scholarship search to look for ways to pay for college besides taking out student loans. Hears how your scholarship submission can standout.
🧩 PAY ATTENTION TO THE REQUIREMENTS
Many scholarships come with instructions for submitting your application, such as how you format your essay, additional deadlines, or specific documents you should include. Paying attention to details and requirements can make or break whether your application remains in the running or lands on the top of the rejection pile. Double check scholarship rules and requirements to make sure you are following them.
🧿 KNOW YOUR BENEFACTOR
This is key to making your essay more personable. Make sure to research who is offering the scholarship. It may be a foundation, religious group, brand, local business, financial aid office, or even an individual. Familiarize yourself with their mission, events, charities, donations, and any additional information that may be helpful. For example, if you were to apply for a scholarship from Sanford Health you would want to express your interest in working in healthcare. You might explain how passionate you are about serving all ages of patients and how you want to provide them with the best care possible, while trying to make a difference for the organization.
🌀 EMPHASIZE YOUR UNIQUENESS
Many scholarships are based on an applicant's individuality. Putting your unique interests and perspectives on the page will go a long way toward creating a memorable essay. Share the experiences and activities that make YOU unique. You don’t have to limit the experiences you share to only your senior year. Lots of students participate in sports in high school, but maybe you volunteered to help coach children. Many students have a part-time job, but maybe you started a charitable donation program at work. Consider what you can say about yourself that most others will not be able to say.
2️⃣ STANDOUT INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
Before you start writing, thoroughly research the company and the specific internship role you’re applying for. It’s important to understand the company’s mission, values and the skills they’re looking for in an intern. You may not have all the exact qualifications, but try to speak to what you can and use examples of your experience where applicable.
🏆 HIGHLIGHT YOUR RELEVANT SKILLS
In the body of the letter, showcase your most relevant skills and experiences. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities and achievements. Try to focus on how these experiences have prepared you for the internship - and more importantly - how you can contribute to the company. You want to demonstrate what they’ll get out of you just as much as what you’ll get out of it.
🤗 SHOW YOUR ENTHUSIASM
While it’s important to be professional in your letter, it’s also okay (and even encouraged) to show excitement about the opportunity. Explain why you’re passionate about the industry and how the internship aligns with your career goals. By talking about your enthusiasm, you’re showing that you’re more likely to bring your all.
🎯 CLOSE WITH A STRONG CONCLUSION
You’ll want to conclude your application letter by summarising your key points and reiterating your interest in the internship. You’ll also want to thank the employer for considering your application and express your willingness to provide further information or attend an interview. Use a professional closing, such as ‘Sincerely,’ followed by your name.
Hope this will be helpful Taryn, good luck.
Elliot Jordan
Web Developer
101
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
QUALITY.
Show a good resume.
Build some great projects (GitHub).
LinkedIn. Write an interesting post.
Build a Portfolio showcasing your work.
Join a social media channel (Reddit, Discord, Bluesky, etc.) - Find a tribe.
Sell yourself!
These are a few things that help.
Show a good resume.
Build some great projects (GitHub).
LinkedIn. Write an interesting post.
Build a Portfolio showcasing your work.
Join a social media channel (Reddit, Discord, Bluesky, etc.) - Find a tribe.
Sell yourself!
These are a few things that help.
Raj Desai
Software Architect
13
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Raj’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking ahead as a high school senior! Standing out in scholarship or internship applications, especially for something as competitive as computer science, takes a bit of strategy, persistence, and smart self-presentation. Here are some tips to help you get noticed:
1. Build a Strong Personal Brand
Develop a Personal Website or Portfolio: Showcase any coding projects you’ve worked on, whether for school, personal projects, or online courses. Use platforms like GitHub for code, or WordPress/Webflow for design if applicable.
Blog or Share Content: Share insights on computer science topics, programming tutorials, or your journey as an aspiring developer. Writing articles or tutorials can demonstrate your passion and expertise.
Engage on LinkedIn: Start creating a professional profile even in high school. Highlight any projects, skills, and relevant coursework, and connect with professionals in the industry.
2. Focus on Relevant Projects & Experience
Personal Projects: Create small projects, whether it’s building websites, developing apps, or solving programming challenges. These show initiative and hands-on skills.
Hackathons: Participate in online or in-person hackathons (like Hackathon.com or Devpost). These are great places to learn, showcase teamwork, and build impressive portfolio pieces.
Internships or Part-Time Jobs: Even if you can’t land a major internship, look for part-time or volunteer work in tech-related roles. Consider tech support or assisting in local nonprofits or startups with their digital needs.
3. Excel in Your Coursework & Extracurriculars
Advanced Courses: Take advanced placement (AP) or college-level computer science courses (like AP Computer Science A). Doing well in these classes will show you can handle rigorous coursework.
Clubs & Competitions: Join tech clubs, such as robotics or coding clubs, and participate in coding competitions like Google Code-in or Coding Olympiads. They add credibility and demonstrate your interest.
Leadership Roles: Try to take on leadership roles within clubs, projects, or even group school activities. Scholarships and internship committees like to see candidates who show leadership potential.
4. Tailor Your Application & Be Authentic
Customize Applications: Whether it's for an internship or scholarship, always tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific program. Mention the program’s values, goals, and how your background aligns with them.
Be Genuine: Don’t just list accomplishments—tell your story. Why computer science? What excites you about the field? Authenticity is key when writing personal statements or scholarship essays.
Get Strong Recommendations: Reach out to teachers or mentors who can speak specifically about your interest in computer science and your character. A personalized recommendation letter can make a huge impact.
5. Search for Opportunities
College & University Resources: Once you’re accepted to a college, check out career fairs, internship programs, and scholarship opportunities that the school offers to incoming students.
Internship Websites: Platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, Indeed, and Glassdoor are great for finding internships. For tech-specific roles, check out AngelList for startup opportunities or Stack Overflow Jobs.
Tech Companies: Major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook have specific programs for students, including Google Summer of Code and Microsoft’s High School Internship Program.
Scholarships: Use websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and Chegg Scholarships. Many tech companies and foundations offer scholarships for students pursuing computer science.
6. Networking & Mentorship
Attend Conferences or Meetups: Join tech meetups (many are virtual) and networking events. Use platforms like Meetup.com to find tech-related groups and events.
Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor in the computer science field, whether through school programs, LinkedIn, or local tech events. Having someone experienced to guide you can help with advice, connections, and even internship leads.
7. Stay Persistent & Keep Learning
Online Courses & Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and freeCodeCamp offer certificates in various programming languages and technologies. These will help you stand out when applying.
Keep Building: Keep working on your personal projects, learning new technologies, and practicing coding skills on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. The more you build, the more confident you’ll feel during interviews or scholarship applications.
Summary:
Build a personal brand with a portfolio, blog, and LinkedIn.
Showcase your skills with personal projects, hackathons, and volunteer work.
Excel in your coursework and join extracurriculars like coding clubs.
Tailor your applications, and be authentic in your essays and interviews.
Search for opportunities on internship platforms and company websites.
Network with professionals and seek mentorship to open new doors.
1. Build a Strong Personal Brand
Develop a Personal Website or Portfolio: Showcase any coding projects you’ve worked on, whether for school, personal projects, or online courses. Use platforms like GitHub for code, or WordPress/Webflow for design if applicable.
Blog or Share Content: Share insights on computer science topics, programming tutorials, or your journey as an aspiring developer. Writing articles or tutorials can demonstrate your passion and expertise.
Engage on LinkedIn: Start creating a professional profile even in high school. Highlight any projects, skills, and relevant coursework, and connect with professionals in the industry.
2. Focus on Relevant Projects & Experience
Personal Projects: Create small projects, whether it’s building websites, developing apps, or solving programming challenges. These show initiative and hands-on skills.
Hackathons: Participate in online or in-person hackathons (like Hackathon.com or Devpost). These are great places to learn, showcase teamwork, and build impressive portfolio pieces.
Internships or Part-Time Jobs: Even if you can’t land a major internship, look for part-time or volunteer work in tech-related roles. Consider tech support or assisting in local nonprofits or startups with their digital needs.
3. Excel in Your Coursework & Extracurriculars
Advanced Courses: Take advanced placement (AP) or college-level computer science courses (like AP Computer Science A). Doing well in these classes will show you can handle rigorous coursework.
Clubs & Competitions: Join tech clubs, such as robotics or coding clubs, and participate in coding competitions like Google Code-in or Coding Olympiads. They add credibility and demonstrate your interest.
Leadership Roles: Try to take on leadership roles within clubs, projects, or even group school activities. Scholarships and internship committees like to see candidates who show leadership potential.
4. Tailor Your Application & Be Authentic
Customize Applications: Whether it's for an internship or scholarship, always tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific program. Mention the program’s values, goals, and how your background aligns with them.
Be Genuine: Don’t just list accomplishments—tell your story. Why computer science? What excites you about the field? Authenticity is key when writing personal statements or scholarship essays.
Get Strong Recommendations: Reach out to teachers or mentors who can speak specifically about your interest in computer science and your character. A personalized recommendation letter can make a huge impact.
5. Search for Opportunities
College & University Resources: Once you’re accepted to a college, check out career fairs, internship programs, and scholarship opportunities that the school offers to incoming students.
Internship Websites: Platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, Indeed, and Glassdoor are great for finding internships. For tech-specific roles, check out AngelList for startup opportunities or Stack Overflow Jobs.
Tech Companies: Major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook have specific programs for students, including Google Summer of Code and Microsoft’s High School Internship Program.
Scholarships: Use websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and Chegg Scholarships. Many tech companies and foundations offer scholarships for students pursuing computer science.
6. Networking & Mentorship
Attend Conferences or Meetups: Join tech meetups (many are virtual) and networking events. Use platforms like Meetup.com to find tech-related groups and events.
Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor in the computer science field, whether through school programs, LinkedIn, or local tech events. Having someone experienced to guide you can help with advice, connections, and even internship leads.
7. Stay Persistent & Keep Learning
Online Courses & Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and freeCodeCamp offer certificates in various programming languages and technologies. These will help you stand out when applying.
Keep Building: Keep working on your personal projects, learning new technologies, and practicing coding skills on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. The more you build, the more confident you’ll feel during interviews or scholarship applications.
Summary:
Build a personal brand with a portfolio, blog, and LinkedIn.
Showcase your skills with personal projects, hackathons, and volunteer work.
Excel in your coursework and join extracurriculars like coding clubs.
Tailor your applications, and be authentic in your essays and interviews.
Search for opportunities on internship platforms and company websites.
Network with professionals and seek mentorship to open new doors.
A G
17
Answers
Pleasanton, California
Updated
A’s Answer
You have the power to shine in scholarships or internships by building a strong academic base and showing who you are beyond the classroom. Keep your GPA solid and join clubs that match your interests, like IEEE, robotics, or amateur radio. Show your curiosity through personal projects, lab research, or side gigs that showcase your technical skills. Highlight any leadership roles, teamwork experiences, or community service you’ve done. Don’t forget to mention unique hobbies—like music, photography, hiking, or gaming—as they make your application stand out and show you’re a well-rounded, passionate person. Employers and scholarship committees often look for both skills and character!
Your advice was so helpful!
Taryn