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Application checklist
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Before you start
Read the official eligibility rules and confirm you qualify
Note the deadline and its time zone — many close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Create the account on the application portal early
Add the deadline to your calendar and your tracker
Documents to gather
Transcript (check whether unofficial is accepted)
FAFSA Submission Summary, if the award is need-based
Résumé or list of activities, jobs, and leadership roles
Service hours log with supervisor contacts
Proof of enrollment or acceptance, if required
Test scores, only if the program asks
Writing and recommendations
Ask recommenders at least 3 weeks ahead
Draft each essay, then cut it to the word limit
Have someone you trust read it out loud
Record any video responses in a quiet, well-lit spot
Submitting
Submit at least 2 days early — portals slow down near deadlines
Save or screenshot the confirmation
Confirm your recommenders submitted
Move it to Submitted in your tracker
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