Tips & FAQs for a Successful Scholarship Application

Turn your efforts into a Scholarship

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

Start early. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete the application.
THE ESSAY MUST BE ORIGINAL! Your essay must be your own. A copy of someone else's work will result in disqualification.
Proofread your application, particularly the essay response. Pay close attention to grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes. It is highly recommended that you have an advisor or teacher read over your complete application before submission.
Follow the directions in the essay prompt. Pay close attention to both content and word count when writing your essay.
Be yourself. There is no “right” answer... it is what you want to make it. In fact, being original and being able to uniquely express yourself, works in your favor.
Don’t procrastinate. Deadlines are final. Your application will not be considered if it is late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Be a sixth grade student that plans to go to high school.
Be a student at one of the target schools.

When is the application submission deadline?

April 30 every year

What is the Program timeline?

Application Opens: February 15
Application Closes: April 30 end of day
Scholarship Recipients Notified: The target is 2 weeks after PEP score results are released to the schools. The schools are responsible for sending the name of their candidate who attained the highest scores.
Scholarship Disbursement: By September 1, payable directly to the High School.

What are the selection criteria?

The Program Administration will evaluate the applications and select the winners. The administrators will consider:

Highest PEP score of all Applicants
In the event of a tie, the best essay will be used as the tie breaker

Decisions of the program administrators are final and are not subject to appeal.

What is the topic and length of the Essay?

An essay of a maximum of 600 words on the following topic is a requirement for consideration:

NOTE: The essay topic will change occasionally.

Describe something you would like to accomplish in your life or a change you would like to make in your community or Jamaica. Tell us how you would go about accomplishing this life goal or effectuating this change, and what obstacles you might encounter along the way and how you would address them.

How will the Essay be Scored?

Grading of the essay will be based on a rubric.

What are the details of the award?

The award amount is JA$85,000.
The scholarship will be applied to fees and books up to the award amount

Is this scholarship renewable?

This scholarship is not renewable

Is my primary school eligible for the program?

The Scholarship Grant is targeted at schools in the Interior of the Island, where there tend to be a higher density of families of less means and opportunity.

How will teachers benefit?

The Principal and all Sixth Grade teachers will receive a monetary gift recognizing their contribution to the winner's achievement.

How do I get an application?

All applications must be submitted using the online application form.
NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How do I submit the Essay?

The submission of the essay is tied into the application process. The essay can be typed directly into the online application form or cut and pasted directly into the form.

How do I check the status of my application?

You will not be able to check the status of the application. The winning candidate will be notified by email and the results posted online at this site.

How do I know if my application is complete?

You will see a message immediately confirming submission of your application. The application also gives you a choice to have a copy of what you submitted sent to your email.

How and when will winners receive notification?

The winner will be notified via email and their name will posted online at the home page of this site. The target is 2 weeks after PEP score results are released to the schools. The schools are responsible for sending the name of their candidate who attained the highest score.

What are my responsibilities if I am chosen as a recipient?

You must notify the Program Manager of the name of the high school to which you been accepted.
You must enroll in the high school that you have been accepted.
Once notified, we will contact the school to arrange disbursement.

How do I make changes to my application?

Immediately after submitting your application, you will see a message confirming the submission along with a link to edit what was submitted. The URL associated with the link that allows you to edit the application is unique to your application and can be saved for later use. Alternatively, there is also an option to send a copy of what was submitted to your email. If you choose this option, a copy of what you sent along with a link to make changes will be sent to your email address.

SHARING THE LINK WILL DISQUALIFY YOUR APPLICATION!
THE LINK SHOULD NOT BE SHARED WITH ANYONE. ANYONE WITH THE LINK CAN MODIFY THE APPLICATION.

How and when are checks issued?

The funds will be disbursed directly to the high school after the program administration has been notified of the high school where you have been accepted. The disbursement will be closely coordinated with your enrollment process, so you must keep us informed.

Are there benefits to the winner during their high school years?

The scholarship program remains engaged with past winners through their high school years with programs designed to reward high performance. More information is available on the Performance Benefits page.

Questions:
email: dbarnett@cartycorp.com
Subject Line: Scholarship Fund

	4	3	2	1
Organization	Contains a captivating introduction and well-structured paragraphs and maintains organizational structure that intentionally and effectively enhances the presentation of information required by the prompt	Contains a solid introduction, well-structured paragraphs for each of the arguments, and maintains an appropriate organizational structure to address specific requirements of the prompt.	Contains an adequate introduction with weakly-structured paragraphs. Uses an appropriate organizational structure for development of reasoning and logic, with minor structure/ coherence	Contains weak introduction that fails to communicate key ideas. Attempts to organize but lacks, control and structure
Voice	The author’s purpose of writing is very clear, and there is strong evidence of attention to the audience. The author’s extensive knowledge and/or experience with the topic is/are evident.	The author’s purpose of writing is somewhat clear, and there is some evidence of attention to the audience. The author’s knowledge and/or experience with the topic is/are evident.	The author’s purpose of writing is somewhat clear, and there is evidence of attention to the audience. The author’s knowledge and/or experience with the topic is/are limited.	The author’s purpose of writing is unclear.
Word Choice	The author uses vivid words and phrases. The choice and placement of words seems accurate, natural, and not forced.	The author uses vivid words and phrases. The choice and placement of words is inaccurate at times and/or seems overdone.	The author uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety.	The author uses a limited vocabulary. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning.
Language and Conventions	Demonstrates and maintains with few errors, a strong command of the Standard English grammar and conventions and cohesion. Response includes language and appropriate tone, to the purpose and specific requirements of prompt	Demonstrates a fair command of the Standard English conventions and cohesion with few errors. Response includes language and appropriate tone to purpose and specific requirements of the prompt	Demonstrates an inconsistent command of the Standard English conventions and cohesion. Uses language and tone with some inaccurate and inappropriate features.	Attempts to demonstrate Standard English Conventions, but lacks cohesion, appropriate grammar and mechanics.