Becoming a Tillman Scholar: Top Tips for Crafting a Strong Application

The Tillman Scholar Program is more than just a scholarship — it’s an opportunity to join a supportive community of nearly 1,000 Tillman Scholars, united by their desire to make an impact. As a Tillman Scholar, you’ll join fellow military service members, veterans, and spouses who share your passion for making a difference.

To stand out in the application process, it’s important to thoughtfully reflect on your experiences and how they align with the core values of the foundation: humble leadership, service beyond self, scholarship, and impact. Below, we’ve compiled the top tips for a strong application, featuring insights from current Tillman Scholars. 

1. Understand our mission, core values, and the impact of Pat’s legacy

Before you begin your application, take time to familiarize yourself with the core mission and values of the Pat Tillman Foundation. We are dedicated to empowering military service members, veterans, and spouses who strive to create lasting change in their communities and beyond. 

The values Pat lived by — humble leadership, service beyond self, scholarship, and impact — are at the heart of everything we do. To see our core values in action, check out this video. If you want to learn more about Pat’s legacy, explore our 20th anniversary campaign here.

2. Reflect on your journey

Once you understand what we do, think about who you are and what makes your story unique. What challenges have you overcome? How have your values and experiences influenced the path you’ve chosen? This reflection isn’t just about listing achievements; it’s about understanding how your past has prepared you for your next steps. Consider how your journey connects to your desire to make an impact.

3. Identify your passion and purpose

What causes resonate with you? The Tillman Scholar Program looks for applicants who are deeply passionate about making an impact in their communities and beyond. Whether it’s social justice, education, the environment, or another cause, we want to know what motivates and inspires you. Take the time to consider how your passion aligns with your personal experiences and your aspirations for the future. How do you intend to create positive change? This clarity will strengthen your application.

“Imagine with your education, there was a future where you could do anything in the world if you had the resources…and imagine beyond that,” says 2016 Tillman Scholar Jay Vinnedge. “Using this perspective can help you imagine the impact this foundation can have on you. This is a heck of a place to start. The only way to make your application unique is to really show us who YOU are.”

4. Gather strong letters of recommendation 

A key component of the application is your letters of recommendation. Reach out early to mentors, colleagues, or professors who know you well and can speak to your character, accomplishments, and commitment to service. These individuals should be able to highlight the qualities that make you a strong candidate for the Tillman Scholar Program. Be sure to communicate why you’re applying for this scholarship and what it means to you so they can provide a thoughtful, personalized recommendation. For recommendation tips, watch this video. 

“I gave my recommender two months’ notice and provided him information about the foundation, what they look for in their scholars, and sent him my resume and my draft essays,” says 2022 Tillman Scholar Margo Darragh. “I think this put us on the same page going into the process, drove some really good conversation between the two of us about PTF and what my goals are, and gave me some peace of mind that I’d done what I could to make this process easier on him.”

5. Craft a personal statement that effectively conveys your story

Your personal statement is your chance to tell your story. Use this opportunity to connect your experiences, your passion, and your vision for the future. This is where you can show how the Tillman Scholarship will empower you to achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact. Be authentic, clear, and concise, and let your unique voice shine through. Your statement should reflect your character, your ambition, and the ways you plan to contribute to the Tillman community and beyond. For more personal statement tips, click here. 

“Let the final essay be the action portion of your story. Build up a theme where you describe where you came from and then use that to empower specific and tangible action items that will get you where you’re going,” says 2022 Tillman Scholar Desaree Edwards.

6. Engage with the Tillman Scholar community

One of the best ways to understand the Tillman Scholar Program and the application process is to connect with current Tillman Scholars. Reach out to them for insights and advice take time to read through their bios on our website. Learn about their journeys, the impact the scholarship has had on their lives, and what they wish they had known during the application process. Their perspectives can provide invaluable guidance as you navigate your own application. To learn more about the Tillman Scholar community, watch this video. 

7. Plan ahead and stay organized

Set personal deadlines for completing each section of your application. Give yourself ample time—at least two weeks—to review everything carefully before submitting. This will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure that your application reflects your best work. Planning ahead also gives you the opportunity to seek feedback from others, revise your materials, and make any necessary adjustments. 

While the process may seem daunting, 2013 Tillman Scholar Heather King has some powerful words of wisdom. “Just remember, this is an investment in you. This an investment in your passions … in what you believe in,” she says.

To learn more about the Tillman Scholar Application and to get answers to frequently asked questions, visit our Apply to be a Tillman Scholar page. You can also sign up for any of our Applicant Info Sessions.