Tips to Completing Your Accounting Scholarship Application On Time

By Benjamin Warren

The deadline for Washington CPA Foundation Accounting Scholarship applications is less than a month away. You have until 11:59 PM PST on Tuesday, February 10, to finish and submit your application. Last year, about one-third of applicants walked away with a scholarship to fund their education, as well as validation and support from members of the CPA community who believed in their success. Check out this handy infographic (click on the image for a full screen view) for help breaking down the application process into a few manageable, weekly steps over the next month.

Three to four weeks is the standard time it takes to get letters of recommendation, so be sure to request your letters by no later than the week of January 24. You can request letters of recommendation using the scholarship application portal. Just create your account, answer the qualifying questions, and skip ahead to the Letter of Recommendation section to email the referral link to your references. Here are some tips on how to make the ask, and what to provide your references along with your request.

Make sure you leave enough time to complete the essays. These are short essays of 500 words or less, but you want to include time for proofreading and revisions. Correct any spelling or grammatical errors and have someone else review your essays. When writing your essays, keep in mind passion, service, and storytelling. Focus on telling your personal journey and showcase your passion for accounting and serving your community. Having a well-written, compelling essay will help you stand out and make the best impression with the scholarship reviewers.

ChatGPT and other AI tools can assist with outlining, grammar, and proofreading. However, reviewers will be looking for authenticity in your essays with a focus on passion, service, and storytelling. We’ll be looking at how well your essays answer the prompts through your own voice and experiences. AI can be used to help polish your work, but make sure it is used as a supplement, not a replacement, and that your essays speak to who you are.

Finally, read the instructions to the GPA Worksheet carefully. Make sure to have all your transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended in front of you and pay close attention to the subjects that should be added to the worksheet, the grades you received, and whether the credits were under the quarter or semester system. Check out this article and video that provide additional guidance.

Find links to the scholarship application and eligibility requirements here. If you're looking for more tips on completing your scholarship application, watch the recording of the WSCPA Virtual Scholarship Open House held on Friday, January 23. Scholarship applications for current high school students and students attending a Washington state community or two-year college are due April 14. Please note that some community college students may be eligible for both scholarship programs. Click Here for more information and check out this flowchart to determine which scholarship(s) you may be eligible for. If you have questions about the scholarship or application process, reach out to foundation@wscpa.org.

Remember, submit your application by 11:59 PM PST on Tuesday, February 10.

Benjamin Warren is the WSCPA Manager of Pipeline Initiatives. You can contact Benjamin via email.