Sprinkled throughout a semester of events, ceremonies and banquets is a series of deadlines for awards applications. These awards recognize FFA members for their hard work throughout the school year, and the applications can be complex. Here are a few tips on how to put your best foot forward in an award application.
Don’t breeze over the cover page.
While things like name, phone number and chapter name may seem routine, a mistake here can be costly. Triple-check the spelling and accuracy of all names, phone numbers and mailing addresses. If you are required to submit an email address, use a personal account that will remain current even after graduation and won’t be blocked by a school spam filter or security settings.
Begin with the end in mind.
Did you know every national–level application comes with a scoring rubric? It’s like having insights into an evaluator’s mind. Consult an application’s scoring rubric and associated checklist to learn what the judges are looking for and confirm that you haven’t left anything out. All rubrics are available online at FFA.org/Awards with each award category.
Avoid being repetitive. Build on your story.
Every question on an application is a chance to provide more information. Use these opportunities to introduce the evaluators to new stories, photos and goals. In reviewing your applications, also check for repetition in specific verbs and adjectives throughout your writing. While you may take your time in writing your application and revisit it periodically, judges often review them in one sitting, so make sure your application flows well from question to question.
Tailor your responses.
Not all answers will fit all applications. While many applications may have similar questions, your responses should vary. This is especially true when working on proficiency applications. Only include information about the SAE that fits the category. Irrelevant information can hurt your score. For example, don’t talk about raising sheep in a vegetable production application.
Appreciate everyday efforts.
Many times, we can get caught up in the idea that successful award applications are only about new projects. Remember that your regular, everyday activities can make excellent submissions. While planning new and innovative activities should be something you and your chapter look forward to each year, the activities you do every year can also fulfill the quality standards. Don’t let the stress of planning “new” activities hold you back.
Visit FFA.org/Awards to see which awards you qualify for, and use these tips as you work on your applications this spring. To learn more about the types of supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), visit SAEforAll.org.
