A Few Tips to Increase Your Chances for a Successful Scholarship/Grant Application:
The Scholarship Process
Scholarships are provided by a variety of institutions and organizations including colleges, government agencies, large corporations, professional organizations, civic groups, etc. Use the following tips to help you with your scholarship search.
Start looking for scholarships now!
Good starting points include:
•Senior Newsletter
•Computer Programs
•Internet
•Career Room
•Parents' Work
•Colleges
•Scholarship Books
•Counselor
•Community Organizations
What scholarships look for:
Academics, SAT/ACT scores, community service, leadership, course selection, rank in class, recommendations, talent, and athletic ability.
Be sure to note eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.
Please do not apply if you do not meet the stated requirements.
Keep grades and test scores (SAT/ACT) up.
Most agencies that award scholarships receive many applications. This makes the process more competitive. You may be satisfied with your scores; however, they may not be high enough to meet the scholarship requirements. Scholarships usually go to the students with the highest GPA and test scores.
Gather all information together to be sent in.
If letters of recommendation are required, choose the person who knows you the best and give them at least 10-14 days advance notice.
Keep up with deadlines!
A late application will not be considered.
Apply for need-based financial aid.
Complete the FAFSA ( Free Application for Federal Student Aid --available after January 1) and any other financial aid forms that are required.
Contact colleges and request their scholarship information.
The majority of scholarship money comes from the school itself! You do not have to wait until you have been accepted to a college to investigate scholarships.
Polish your scholarship applications.
Your scholarship application represents you. Neatly print or type your application. If an essay is required, be sure it is error-free.
Keep a copy of every application you submit.
Remember, scholarships are competitive!
Do not let this keep you from completing the applications. You never know when you may be the one.
Do not discard a scholarship because of its small amount!!!
Small scholarships add up to large ones!!!
Developing Your Scholarship Game Plan by Benjamin Kaplan
1.Plan to Apply for As Many Scholarships As Possible
2.Develop a Suite of Generic Reusable Materials
3.Leverage Schoolwork and Class Time
4.Learn From Past Scholarship Winners
Maximizing Your Scholarship Eligibility by Roxana Hadad
•College Major/Field of Interest
•State of Residence/State of Study
•Student Affiliations
•Ethnic Background
•Disability
•Foreign Students
Top Ten Tips for Winning Scholarship Applications by Kay Peterson, Ph.D.
•TIP #1: Apply only if you are eligible.
•TIP #2: Complete the application in full.
•TIP #3: Follow directions.
•TIP #4: Neatness counts.
•TIP #5: Write an essay that makes a strong impression.
•TIP #6: Watch all deadlines.
•TIP #7: Make sure your application gets where it needs to go.
•TIP #8: Keep a back-up file in case anything goes wrong.
•TIP #9: Give it a final 'once-over.'
•Tip #10: Ask for help if you need it.
And here's a good article on Scholarship Scams....
•Scholarship Scam-Alert by Kay Peterson, Ph.D.
For more information on Scholarships and Grant tips, check out the FastWeb information listed at: https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships .