OUR APPLICANTS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE and have different passions and interests, which contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of our region. The Foundation is committed to equitably assessing each student. Students’ backgrounds — the places they come from, their life experiences and the resources available to them — make a difference in how they approach their applications. We take all of these factors into consideration when evaluating applications. “Equitable” does not necessarily mean “equal.” A student who has a 4.0 GPA but does not have to work is not equal to a student who has a 3.0 GPA, works and cares for a sick parent. Applicants each have their own stories and face unique challenges. We urge committees to consider how adversity has helped or hindered each applicant. We encourage committees to look for applicants who demonstrate a connection between their academic curriculum, their volunteer activities, the work they do for pay, and their educational and career goals. Is the applicant volunteering or working in opportunities related to his or her major? Is the applicant involved in long-term community activities? Grammar is one factor that some committees may consider when reading essays. However, English may not be the applicant’s first language. Further, the applicant may have attended a secondary school with minimal resources. A public school may have offered fewer tutoring resources and larger class sizes than a private school. Also, some committees may notice that pronoun use has shifted in recent years. Many languages do not have gender-specific pronouns. Some applicants may prefer to use “they” as a singular, gender- neutral pronoun. Others may not identify as he/she/they and may use another gender-neutral pronoun such as “ze” or “hir.” If the pronoun usage only appears once, it may indicate a grammatical error. If the pronoun is used consistently, it should be considered correct. Applicants should not be discounted for their choice of pronouns. 11 SCHOLARSHIP HANDBOOK Activities and achievements are among the criteria for some scholarships. Pictured: Three Rivers Rowing Association.