Scholarship TIPS
Places to Look for Scholarships
If you have applied to University of Saskatchewan
https://admissions.usask.ca/money/scholarships.php
If you have applied to University of Regina
https://www.uregina.ca/safa/awards/entrance-awards/index.html
If you have applied to Sask Polytechnic
https://saskpolytech.ca/admissions/resources/scholarships-and-awards.aspx
Post Secondary Institutions
Many schools offer scholarships and bursaries for students attending their school. You are eligible to apply for them after you have applied to the institution. Some may be general entrance scholarships and others may be specific to the program to which you are applying.
School Activities
One fringe benefit of participating in activities might be a scholarship sponsored by the organization. Inquire with the officers or advisors of the organization about scholarship funds. Bands, newspapers, academic clubs, athletic organizations, and service organizations often have scholarships that are awarded to outstanding members.
Community Organizations
Don’t limit yourself to only organizations to which you belong. Community groups will often sponsor scholarships that are open to all students who live in the community. For example, local Rotary and Lions clubs often offer scholarships for outstanding students in the community whether or not their parents are members. They view scholarship programs as a way of serving their community.
Employer
Many businesses that employ young people offer scholarships as a way to reward students like you who both study and work. Ask your manager if your employer has a scholarship fund and how you can apply.
Parents’ Employer
Companies often award scholarships to the children of their employees as a benefit for their employment. Your parents should speak with someone in their Human Resources department about scholarships and other educational programs offered by their company.
Parents’ Organizations
Are your parents involved in civic or other local organizations? These organizations may offer scholarships for members. Ask your parents to find out.
Church or Religious Organizations
Religious organizations may provide scholarships for members. If you or your parents are members of a religious organization, check with the leaders to see if a scholarship is offered.
Local Businesses
Local business owners who want to see students in their community succeed often set up scholarship funds as a way to thank their customers and customers’ children. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to see if there are local businesses that offer scholarships for students in the community.
Local Newspaper
Some local newspapers make announcements about local students who win scholarships. Keep a record of the scholarships printed or go to your library and look at back issues of the newspaper. Check last year’s spring issues (between March and June) and you’ll probably find announcements of scholarship recipients. Contact the sponsoring organizations to see if you’re eligible to enter the next competition.
Websites
One of the benefits of online scholarship directories is that they can be updated at any time. Thus, if you search an online scholarship directory you can find up-to-date information on new scholarships.
CanLearn www.canlearn.ca
Atila www.atila.ca
Scholarship Canada www.scholarshipscanada.com
Student Awards www.studentawards.com
Student Scholarships www.studentscholarships.org
Explore Student Life Yconic – Get university and college ready
Post Secondary websites www.usask.ca
Company websites www.wendys.ca
American Based Scholarships www.fastweb.com
Scholarships for University students www.univcan.ca/
Tips On Applying For Scholarships
Tip 1: Give concrete examples.
If your answer to an essay question is abstract, support it with a concrete example that illustrates your point. The scholarship sponsor wants to see evidence that you satisfy their criteria, not just unsupported statements.
Tip 2: Apply only if you are eligible.
Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully, and make sure that you are eligible before you send in your application. Your application will not be considered if you aren't qualified to apply.
Tip 3: Identify the sponsor's goals.
Try to understand the sponsor's motivation in offering the award. Do they want to promote interest in their field? Do they want to identify promising future researchers and business leaders? If you can identify their goals, you can direct your application toward satisfying those goals, increasing your chances of winning the award.
Tip 4: Complete the application in full and follow directions.
Many students fail to follow directions. You can give yourself a competitive advantage by reading the directions carefully.
Provide everything that is required. But don't supply things that aren't requested. You won't impress and you might be disqualified.
Be sure to complete the entire application. If a question doesn't apply, note that on the application. Don't just leave it blank.
Tip 5: Neatness counts.
Make several photocopies of all the forms you receive. Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet.
It's always best to type the application. If you must print, do so neatly and legibly.
Proofread the entire application carefully. Nothing is less impressive than an application with misspelled words or grammar errors. Ask a friend, teacher or parent to proofread it as well.
Tip 6: Write an accomplishments resume.
Compile a list of all your accomplishments. This will help you identify your strengths and prepare a better application.
Give a copy of the resume to the people who are writing letters of recommendation for you. They will be able to work some of the tidbits into their letters, making it seem like they know you better. Ask a teacher, principal, counsellor, coach, employer, or advisor to be a reference for you. Remember these individuals need to be able to speak to your skills, talents and character, so ensure that they know you well and are aware of the types of scholarships for which you are applying.
Tip 7: Watch all deadlines.
Impose a deadline for yourself that is at least two weeks before the stated deadline. Use this 'buffer time' to proofread your application before you send it off.
YOU are responsible for making sure all parts of the application arrive on time. This includes supporting materials, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts. So make sure everyone who is contributing to your application has ample lead-time.
If worse comes to worst, call the scholarship provider in advance and ask if it's possible to receive an extension. Don't just send the materials in late; many committees will refuse late applications. But don't rely on extensions - very few scholarship providers allow them at all.
Tip 8: Take steps to make sure your application gets where it needs to go.
Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet and keep it on file. If your application goes astray, you can always reproduce it quickly.
Make sure your name (and social security number, if applicable) appears on all pages of the application. Pieces of your application may get lost unless they are clearly identified.
Tip 9: Ask for help if you need it.
If you have problems with the application, do not hesitate to call the sponsor. They will usually be glad to give you help. But don't expect them to do the work for you. Completing the application is your job.
Tip 10: Remember - your scholarship application represents YOU!
Your ability to submit a neat, timely, complete application reflects on you. It's the face you present to the sponsoring organization. Take pride in yourself by submitting the best application you can.