Scholars and BSP staff share their encouragement, wisdom, tips, and advice to students across the country who are considering applying to be a Bezos Scholar:

My life has been changed forever and has been changed for the better. Thanks to this amazing program, I have been able to create change in my community, along with myself. The application process took long hours of typing and revising, but it was a great learning experience. Applying for this opportunity helped prepare me for college scholarship applications as well. Having people edit the application with me and correct my errors has taught me how to write in a better way. It has also allowed me to build a trust in those that are around me and their willingness to help out. My advice to those of you that are applying is to start now. Get ahead of the game. You will never start too early! The earlier you start, the more people you can have edit your essays. Also, don’t be discouraged. You have to be yourself. Do not make your application sound like somebody you are not. Your values, beliefs, and involvement in your community is something that is specific to you. Be yourself! – 2018 Scholar Alex Bremer

The Bezos Scholars Program is a great opportunity to hone your leadership skills. I would encourage any aspiring leader to take on such an opportunity and make the best of it. After leaving Aspen, I have used all the skills and mindsets developed from the program to work towards positively bettering my community. The best part of the program is the global network of Bezos Scholars and the great BSP team that continuously works with you to help you impact your community. Bezos Scholars Program is a life changing opportunity. – 2018 Scholar Samkelo Ntetha

Once I applied, before even knowing the outcome, I was happy because I realized I was set on making the world a better place. I was even happier once I saw that BSP realized that too. – 2017 Scholar Michael Mireles

Never be afraid to ask for help. That’s advice for applying to the Scholars, being a Scholar, and life in general! – Jess, BSP Team

Keep the issue(s) you are passionate about in your mind throughout the application and the community change project development process because that WILL be the thing that keeps you going. You got this! The application is challenging and so is planning your project, but you have amazing ideas and skills. Just keep going! – 2018 Scholar Amy Exposito

Every young person is exceptional. Every young person has the capacity, skill, and capability to lead and be a leader. Put yourself out there, take calculated risks, apply for every opportunity. Don’t go at it alone and ask for help from the people around you that have your best interests at heart. Come up with a mantra to repeat to yourself when needed to override thoughts of negativity or doubt. For example, if you think “I won’t be accepted as a Bezos Scholar because my GPA isn't high enough” override that with “I am deserving of every opportunity and grades do not equate my intelligence or worth”. You got this!! – Molly, BSP Team

My number one first tip for all you of you thinking about applying, is to believe. In order for you to have confidence that you will get what you want, you have to believe it no matter what. You may face doubt and discouragement but if you are persistent and tell yourself that “you will be a part of this great program” then you shall. Think and speak it into existence! As far as the actual application goes, the number one thing to do is to be you and express your personality. Something you may think is small and not cool, can actually be the total opposite and be the deciding factor in your acceptance. Everything is looked at and the best way that you can express your best version of you, can make you shine and stand out. So if you believe and express yourself throughout this whole application don’t be surprised when you become one of the finalist! – 2018 Scholar Style Ranger

Be passionate and authentic. Show us who you really are and how you want to get involved with your community. We want to see the changemaker we know you can be, shine through in your application.  – Melissa, BSP Team