Application Preparation
Prestigious Scholarships are highly competitive, and strong applications are built over time. Most awards look for students who are doing well academically, demonstrating leadership, and staying engaged in service, research, and impact.
Getting started early at Montclair State University is about being intentional with your time. That might mean getting involved in different student clubs and organizations, taking on leadership roles, building relationships with faculty, exploring research or creative projects, studying abroad, or finding ways to contribute to your community.
Explore the many different opportunities and resources across campus that can help you build your experience and prepare for future applications below. Starting early helps you understand what these awards value and shapes your own path along the way. Explore Prestigious Scholarships to learn more about specific awards and requirements.
Academic Merit and Support
Prestigious Scholarships expect candidates who work hard to excel academically.
Academic Advising
Meeting with an academic advisor will help you determine your goals and achieve academic success.
Center for Writing Excellence (CWE)
Meet with an experienced writing consultant who will help you at any stage of the writing process, in any discipline and achieve long-term improvement.
Faculty Support
It’s important to maintain close relationships with faculty who understand your academic skills and support your academic growth. Attend office hours, visit departmental events, and stay engaged with your professors inside and out of the classroom. You will be requesting recommendations from faculty through the application process.
University Libraries
The University Libraries provide a number of services, including Ask a Librarian, online research appointments, and online workshops.
Leadership and Professional Experience
Prestigious Scholarships look for candidates who exhibit strong leadership qualities. Getting involved in organizations that provide you with leadership experience and career opportunities that provide professional development show that you are willing to take initiative.
Career Services
Career Services offers opportunities to find jobs and internships, network with community partners, perfect your resume, and receive career counseling to prepare you for the next steps in your academic and professional career.
Community Engagement and Volunteerism
Prestigious Scholarships often look for candidates who are active in their community. They want to see a commitment to service and of personal growth. Volunteering allows you the opportunity to fine tune your skills in an area of interest while demonstrating a commitment to service in your community.
Get Involved on Campus
Getting involved in or even starting your own club or organization shows that you exhibit qualities of leadership and/or a commitment to service.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad can facilitate personal and professional growth, a deeper cultural awareness, and valuable experience.