Erinwood Ford Character Counts Award

Tips for the Application Process2015

What does the application

look like?

The 4 Pillars & Character AttributesYou will have to speak to the 12 character

attributes for each of the 4 pillars:

CommitmentLeadership/MentorshipAcademic ExcellenceCommunity Involvement

Rating yourselfFor each pillar, you will be asked to rate

yourself level 1,2,3, or 4 for the 12 attributes Be sure to rate yourself with confidence – this

is no time to be modest!

You will be able to justify your rating in the “Supporting Evidence” section

Supporting Evidence: LANGUAGEKEEP IT NEUTRALDo not use your first or last name Do not make reference to your genderUse “I” statements and personal pronouns

Example:Although I am not a straight A student, I wouldcharacterize myself as a hard working,conscientious student. I have to work for mygrades and have had success as a result.

Provide examples (i.e. skills, experiences) of how you demonstrated the character attributes within each pillar

Example:

During each of the past two summers I havededicated three weeks to volunteering with adrama program for young people with special needs. This experience is part of my largercommitment to improving the lives of others,and using my free time in a valuable way.

Supporting Evidence - CONTENT

Supporting Evidence: VOICEUse language that showcases who you are as a

personBe convincing and sincereCapture the attention of your audience (i.e.

teachers, Ford management)

Example:Although I did have less free time in the summer, I

absolutelyloved volunteering with this program. To me, it is

moreenjoyable to spend my three weeks helping and

interactingwith children, rather than lazing around at home. I

willdefinitely miss this program when I am working

full-time. 

Supporting Evidence: STRUCTUREShort, concise paragraphs – 5 to 7 sentences

Use transition words (i.e. however, also, in addition, consequently, etc.)

Be sure that all your text fits in the box provided. When this application prints information will be missing if the text extends beyond the box.

Character ReflectionThis reflection is just as important as the 4

pillar ratings and supporting evidence.

This is where you have the opportunity to expand on information stated in the previous sections and to share personal stories that might further advance your knowledge of character and how it has affected your life as an Erindale student.

FINAL PRODUCTEDIT, EDIT, EDIT...Read your application aloud to yourself-check

for flow, awkward wording, grammar mistakes, etc.

Who else can edit for you?Teacher (not someone on the committee),

family member, peer

REFERENCESFill in a minimum of 3 up to a maximum of 10

references

Who can be your references? Teachers who are not members of this committee, Volunteer Supervisors, Coaches, Community Members, Mentors

Please do NOT include reference letters with your application!

Need help?See:

Mr. Simpson, Ms. Bridgman,Mrs. Bollinger