Rubric for Scoring Applications for the Ratcliffe Discovery Scholarship
Student Name:
Levels of Mastery
Points for each criterion (Please include
feedback to the student in the space
provided).
Criteria
Level 1 (1-5 pts.)
Level 2 (5-15 pts.)
Level 3 (15-20 pts.)
No- no indication of
specific goals for being
self-employed or goals for
improving an existing
business
Future plans are mentioned but
not identified with specific
methods/metrics/steps of
attaining the goals
Goals are presented that are actionable
and facilitated by receiving scholarship
assistance from the program.
Business is described but is
not persuasive
Student indicates an interest in
the industry and shows how they
have learned more or have
identified what their plans are to
learn more through the use of the
scholarship opportunities.
Business is presented as a vision
versus just a description.
Student indicates an interest in the
industry and shows how they have
taken the next step. (Is their hobby
related to the industry? Do they
currently work in the industry? Have
they taken any courses that they have
learned more about the industry? Other
indicators they are seriously interested
and motivated?)
The essay is 500
words or less and
demonstrates proper
grammar, spelling and
punctuation
(20 points possible)
There are many (5 or
more) errors in the
document or it exceeds
500 words.
There are less than 5 errors
The essay is well written and contains
no errors in grammar, spelling and
punctuation.
Letter of
Recommendation
(20 points possible)
.Letter addresses student’s
character
Letter addresses student’s
character and demonstrates the
writer’s knowledge of the
student’s business concept
Letter addresses student’s character
and demonstrates the writer’s
knowledge of the student’s business
concept. The letter indicates that the
writer sees entrepreneurship potential
in the student.
Overall compelling
nature of the
application
(20 points possible)
Student applies but
provides a minimal case
for wanting the
scholarship
Student is interested in
entrepreneurship but doesn’t
identify any industry or area of
interest beyond “being their own
boss”
Student demonstrates that they are
committed to being self-employed and
presents a thought out way to achieve
that goal. Their essay indicates that
they have spent time reflecting on what
they want in life and entrepreneurship
will get them there.
Defined
entrepreneurial goals
(20 points possible)
Passion/enthusiasm/c
ommitment are
evident in the essay
(20 points possible)
Total score (out of 100)