Application Helpful Hints

Select The Right Opportunities

First and foremost, you want to make sure the opportunity that you’re applying for is a good fit for you and your professional goals. Many programs are looking for students from certain majors or backgrounds, so you don’t want to waste time applying to something that isn’t the right fit. Below are a few tips that can help you identify opportunities that make the most sense for you and your needs.

• Know what the opportunity provides (mentorship, scholarship opportunities, job leads or placement, recommendations, etc.)
• How would that opportunity help you further your professional goals
• The mission of the opportunity
  • Specifically, you will want to confirm that the goals and mission of the organization providing the opportunity align with your own. For example, some awards will fund students who are pursuing a research career in medicine, but not students who are interested in practicing clinical medicine. A distinction like this is absolutely something you’d want to keep in mind.

• Start the application process early. You are in competition with other students, including other Scholars, who have been planning to apply for months.
• Give yourself enough time when writing proposals or personal statements to have them reviewed several times by professors or advisors. Peers and even parents can also be good reviewers!
• Contact your recommenders early and notify them of deadlines well in advance—then follow-up with them. Give them any materials they will need to write a compelling recommendation.
• Presentation is important because it shows your commitment and ambition. Allow enough time to show your very best work.
• Work with the UMD NSO to take advantage of all of their resources throughout your application process.