[Shawnee123]

Pete, there are some tips on that page about applying for 'ships.

I was scholarship chair at my last job: I can tell you that we graded on three things: essay, extra-curriculars (not just sports) or outside job or public service (volunteering), and letters of recommendation. Each category is 25 points (and each app is read by at least 3 people, and scores averaged) and the HS GPA is given points (4.0 = 25 pts, 3.9 = 24, etc.)

Of course, in final consideration for each school-administered scholarship (some outside donors letting us administer the funds) GPA will weigh much more heavily when the donor stresses academic achievement.

I've worked on other scholarship committees (such as The Dayton Foundation) and they are run similarly.

Hope this helps!