Visit the Davidson Scholarships website, www.DavidsonGifted.org. Look up the deadlines for the year's applications, and download the application booklet, application form, preliminary overview form and nomination forms. Read over the frequently asked questions section closely.
Provide a copy of the nomination form to the your three nominators. One must be a mentor or supervising scientist, another must be a teacher or principal, and the third must be a professional. Each of them must complete the form by providing their contact details, a summary of their relationship to you, and a rating of the you and your work. They must also submit written answers to these five questions:
"How did the applicant get the idea for his/her submission?"
"How independently did the applicant work on the piece(s) being submitted and to what extent is the work the applicant's?"
"What was your role in the development of the work?"
"What are the strongest aspects of this work? What are the weakest?" and
"Do you believe this work represents extraordinary achievement? Why or Why Not?"
Confirm that the nominators have submitted their completed forms to the Davidson Institute.
Complete and send in a Preliminary Submission Overview Form. You will need to provide your contact details and a parent's, the names of your nominators and a 150-word abstract describing your work.
Complete the application form for the correct category (Science, Technology, Mathematics, Composer, Vocalist, Classical Instrumentalist, Other Instrumentalist, Literature, Philosophy or "Outside the Box"). If the work is one of research , the applicant must attach a full research report with an annotated bibliography. Some projects may instead require the submission of a portfolio of work surrounding the project or DVDs of any performances of musical works. All applicants must also submit a 15-minute DVD in which they discuss the merits of their project.
Make three copies of all applications, portfolios, DVDs and forms. Clearly label everything and collect it in one large package. Do not put materials in plastic binders or sleeves.
Mail all the materials in one package to the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, 9665 Gateway Drive, Suite B, Reno, Nev., 89521. They must be received by the institute before the year's deadline. Preliminary forms must be submitted six weeks before that. You will be contacted via e-mail within three to five business days to let you know your application has been received. All applicants will be notified by mail once the scholarship winners have been chosen.