How to Apply Successfully for Local Scholarships

Now that you know how to find them, let’s talk about applying for local scholarships.

1. Make it neat.

I’ve seen a local scholarship form filled out in crayon before. Needless to say, his application didn’t make it past a first glance.

2. Double check the instructions BEFORE the due-date.

Is the form supposed to be turned in to your counselor or the scholarship sponsor? Dropped off, mailed, or emailed? Do they need an official or unofficial transcript? Does the form have to be filled out with a blue pen? Make sure you follow directions carefully so you aren’t disqualified.

3. Recycle.

Just like you’ve probably already done for private outside scholarships, don’t hesitate to reuse elements of previous applications for these scholarships.

4. Let them know why you need the scholarship. 

Many local scholarship committees I’ve worked with really want to give the scholarship to the student for whom it would make the most difference. The more clearly you can explain how the money would benefit you and why you need every bit of help you can get, the better. 

Often scholarships will ask for a “statement of need” or include a prompt like “why do you need this scholarship?” Sometimes it’s more subtle: “How will receiving this scholarship impact you?” or “Why should you receive this scholarship?” All of these questions are getting at the same idea.

Don’t write a sob story. Stick to the facts. Example:

My dad was laid off due to COVID and my sister has $23,000 in medical bills my parents have to cover. I’m hoping to graduate with less than $20,000 in debt so I can have the financial freedom to pursue a Masters Degree in Secondary Science Instruction and become a Chemistry teacher.

This response is way stronger than a typical “This scholarship will help me achieve my dreams.” answer. This leads me into my final tips: 

5. Try to communicate a specific vision for your life.

The scholarship folks aren’t going to hunt you down if you change your mind about your major (unless maybe the scholarship is only for students of that major.) But folks are less willing to invest in the future of someone who doesn’t at least have an idea of what that future could look like. Make your language specific so you stand out. To this day, I’ve never forgotten the student who said he’d love to spend one summer during his college years researching the history of the Sherpas of Mount Everest. That level of authentic specificity is hypnotizing!

One final downside to local scholarships is that you often don’t know if you’ve won anything until after you’ve had to choose your college. Most of the time, local scholarships are awarded in person at an end-of-year event. You’ll be told to attend if you’ve won something, but you may not be told what you’ve won.

6. Actually apply!

What really? THAT’S your final tip.

Yes. 

Despite how easy these scholarships typically are to complete and turn in, I’ve found that, once the weather warms, very few seniors are in the mood to do any more applications. #Senioritis ... One bummer about winning local scholarships is that you often don’t know if you’ve won anything until after you’ve had to choose your college.