So You're Thinking About Applying For The PKU Scholarship...

The last couple posts I have mentioned that I was working on a big project.  Well it's time to reveal what it was...

The Gunthrie-Koch PKU Scholarship!!!

The deadline was today (October 15th).

So I decided to write a short guide based on my experience to applying for this awesome scholarship.

1. First off, start early.  I would suggest around August maybe even mid-July.  It will take at least a month, and October is around mid-terms.

2. Print everything out.  ESPECIALLY the checklist!  The checklist will help you make sure that you have everything when it's time to mail off.  Believe me, you will thank me for this tip. 

3. Start by ordering your ACT.  It will cost money, but think of it as an investment.  If you get the scholarship, you'll get your money back.  Also, getting your ACT processed and mailed will take around 2 weeks normally.  If you order it priority it will cost a lot more.

4. References.  You need 3 references as well as a reference from your clinic.  Talk to your dietician or doctor and ask them to do it for you.  And choose your other 3 references carefully.  You need someone who won't constantly forget to do it.  Make sure you drop off the papers and pick them up personally.  Have a definite deadline.  People are busy, so YOU need to be on top of it.

5. Transcripts.  YOU NEED BOTH YOUR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS!  I almost didn't catch this.  So I just want to make it clear for others.  You need both.  They shouldn't take long.  Just make sure to get it done!

6. Just sit down and fill out the packet.  It's the easiest part of the scholarship.  The trick is actually sitting down and DOING it.  Pick an afternoon.  Sit down.  Do it.  WARNING: There are financial questions, so you may have to ask your parent's about income at some point.

7. Essay Questions.  Honestly you should read the essay questions back up near the beginning.  Then spend the whole process thinking about your answers.  That way you already know what your going to say when you start typing.  It's easier.  Remember: they're looking for excellent students with PKU.  So it's okay to put yourself in the best light.  How else are they supposed to know how great and deserving you really are? 

Just keep chugging away at it.  It'll be over... eventually.  :)

Here is the official webpage:                
http://www.pkunews.org/guthrie/guthschol.htm

Good luck!

(And tip: If you're coming up at the deadline and aren't quite finished it's okay to ask for an extension.  If it's still before the deadline, you'll still look like a professional.  People have to ask for extensions on projects all the time.  Just make sure you ask BEFOREHAND.  Otherwise it's just late. )

Wish me luck with my application! :)