Who receives prestigious awards? Typically it is someone who is passionate about their 'thing'. At UB, we are committed to helping you capitalize on your strengths and find your niche by providing you with the tools and guidance you need to succeed.
Seek out leadership opportunities in organizations that are important to you. Most scholarship committees are looking for individuals who have demonstrated leadership throughout their careers. Participate in organizations, move into leadership roles when appropriate and challenge yourself to make a difference. UB's Office of Student Engagement offers workshops, leadership certificates and opportunities to connect with on- and off-campus organizations.
There are two types of leadership:
Having strong faculty mentors is critical for success with scholarships. Students can develop these relationships both in and out of class by doing the following:
Students in the University Honors College can also participate in honors contracts on topics of interest to them.
All of these things can promote meaningful dialogue and build relationships. Faculty members then are able to write strong letters of recommendation and share detailed information about your skills, abilities and future potential. It is important to have positive relationships with multiple faculty members as scholarships often require three to eight letters of recommendation.
Remember, strong letters of recommendation must say something meaningful about you. If the only thing a faculty member can say about you is that you did well in their class, you will not have a strong recommendation.