Nicole M Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 ~sigh~ I learned yesterday that we need to submit by Friday a grant application for $2,500/semester. This is through the National Tuition Exchange program -- we had been nominated as the eligible employees of our college to apply for the grant because our EFC is so low. (Nice!) Our names had been submitted, and they were wondering why we hadn't filled out the application. That would be because the email filter at our work is so aggressive, we never got the application, sent in February. Here's the thing. They seem to be looking at raw numbers, GPA, class standing, SAT scores. They would also like a one-page statement from the student about why they want to go to college. ("That part's easy, mom!") So my questions for the hive are: How would you frame the cover letter? What would you want to emphasize, when all the "numbers" are either non-stellar or non-existent? I wrote a humdinger of a homeschool philosophy statement (with a huge amount of help from Kareni!) for the application, but I suspect that is more than they want to hear. And the dumb question.... This needs to be submitted electronically. I would like to include his transcript, music resume, and some other lists. Should I convert the whole mess into a multi-page pdf (which I don't really know how to do), or would it be acceptable to cut and paste into a single word document? I'm tired. I want this to all be done. And I'm irked that it's an "emergency" because we didn't get the original email in February. Thanks for all your help. I would not have made it this far without y'all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 The fun never stops, does it, Nicole? But for the possibility of $5,000 a year, I can see why this would be worth pursuing. I can't help you with the electronic aspects of your submission since I'm an ignoramus in that department. Late night thoughts: My suggestion for the cover letter would be to cull the strongest sections of your homeschool philosophy/letter of recommendation and the additional letter you submitted to one of the colleges. If you feel that financial need is an element, mention your low EFC (extra monies could come in handy too as your son will doubtless have travel expenses to cover). (One number you might choose to mention is the fact that your son is ranked one of one in his homeschool class this year!) Express appreciation for this opportunity to enhance your son's education. Soon this will all be over and you can heave a big sigh of relief. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Lynx Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 Nicole, if you're on a Mac, I can tell you how to make a multi-page pdf. If you're not on a Mac and you end up needing one, let me know. The rest, I cannot help you with :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-FL Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 If they're looking at raw numbers, I'd keep the documentation/lists to a minimum. You don't want them to discount the app. because it looks like you can't follow directions. I agree w/Kareni that you should "say it all" in your cover letter. As to word or pdf, if it's multi-pages, I'd go w/pdf since it compresses more so will be easier for them to receive & open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted April 8, 2010 Share Posted April 8, 2010 can you take your documents to the computer lab on a jump drive and get someone to help you convert them to a PDF? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole M Posted April 9, 2010 Author Share Posted April 9, 2010 Thanks, everyone. I'll keep it short and sweet. I have some time tonight, so I'll rustle something up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole M Posted May 3, 2010 Author Share Posted May 3, 2010 Thanks for all your help and encouragement. He got the grant, $10,000 over four years. Woot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted May 3, 2010 Share Posted May 3, 2010 Thanks for all your help and encouragement. He got the grant, $10,000 over four years. Woot! Hurrah! Now for all of the other puzzle pieces to come into place.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted May 3, 2010 Share Posted May 3, 2010 Thanks for all your help and encouragement. He got the grant, $10,000 over four years. Woot! That's wonderful!! Way to go, mom (and ds... LOL!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted May 4, 2010 Share Posted May 4, 2010 Thanks for all your help and encouragement. He got the grant, $10,000 over four years. Woot! WAHOO!!!!! Great news!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted May 4, 2010 Share Posted May 4, 2010 Thanks for all your help and encouragement. He got the grant, $10,000 over four years. Woot! That is great news, Nicole! Congratulations to you and your son. Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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