Sonia Sennik Resilience Scholarship

What you will need

• ✓ MacID (McMaster University identification account) to login to AwardSpring
• ✓ Completed common application via AwardSpring
• ✓ Completed Faculty of Engineering Entrance Awards application
• ✓ Responses to three short-answer questions
• ✓ List of awards or recognitions achieved
• ✓ Details of extracurricular involvement

About this award

You can receive $8,000. There is only 1 award available. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you have shown grit and strength of character in your life, whether that happened at school, at home, in sports, or through your creative projects. You must submit your application by February 19, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Your referees must submit their letters by February 21, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. (ET). When you apply, ask McMaster University — Faculty of Engineering how and when you will be notified of the result. Selection criteria aren't published — ask McMaster University — Faculty of Engineering how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask McMaster University — Faculty of Engineering during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with McMaster University — Faculty of Engineering whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an applicant from high school who is entering Level 1 (first year) of an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University. You must also show a commitment to community activities or extra-curricular interests.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Studying Engineering

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Special CircumstancesAvoid leaving the optional circumstances section blank if you have faced significant obstacles. Instead, use this space to explain the specific challenges you overcame to get to university. Describe one concrete example of your resilience.
• RefereesAvoid choosing references who only know you casually. Instead, pick people who can speak to your grit and strength of character. Provide your referees with a copy of the scholarship goals so they can write a targeted letter.
• StrategyAvoid just listing your activities in a bulleted list. Instead, showcase the impact of your involvement by explaining what you achieved or how you helped others. Focus on your role in the activity.
• RealismAvoid assuming that a high GPA alone will win this award. Instead, remember that this scholarship specifically targets resilience and character. Ensure your application highlights your personal growth alongside your academics.

Questions students ask

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