I’m really interested in applying for this, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it.
Previously, I was interested in applying for the Princeton Race Relations Prize. But then I read the profiles of past winners and realized that they probably were looking for a bit more than I could offer. I think I’ve definitely done things in that area: organized a protest, involved in many activism related extracurriculars. But I haven’t started my own organization, interned at some high level non-profit, worked with my local representatives, or anything like that. I have successes to talk about but not necessarily successes as tangible as those.
But for some reason, I think this Yale Bassett Award is different. It’s not as well recognized which might mean it’s slightly less prestigious than the Princeton Prize (but I may be wrong). Plus there’s no monetary award which might make it less prestigious. And along with the actual work applicants have done, there’s an emphasis on academic distinction which I think I can show. Again, I’m worried that because I haven’t necessarily started something ‘new,’ I won’t stand out but I’m heavily involved in a lot of already existing organizations and I have leadership roles in those organizations. I’ve used those roles to organize out-of-school protests and school-wide events.
Basically, what I’m asking is what is this Award looking for? Do I stand a chance? I know it’s prestigious (like a 3% acceptance rate) but is it possible for someone who’s very committed to addressing societal issues even if their work isn’t incredibly significant to receive the award? Honestly, I’d be overjoyed just to be a semi-finalist!!
I know it’s a simple application so usually, I’d just give it my best shot and wait. But I’m a junior right now so I have a lot of other pre-senior year scholarships to apply to (along with just school), so I don’t want to use my time applying for anything I have 0 chance of receiving. And I want to kind of ‘save’ my teacher recs if that makes sense. Like, there are probably 2 to 3 teachers who I know will be writing all my scholarship and college recs and I guess I don’t want to overwhelm them by asking for tons of recommendations for awards, programs, and/or scholarships, especially if these things are unrealistic.
The application’s due relatively soon and I’m hoping to get application stuff started/done over winter break. I’d really appreciate a reply!!