Scholarship Resources

Students are encouraged to follow these helpful tips and guidelines for developing a solid scholarship strategy to assist you in winning scholarships. Create a realistic timeline for locating and applying for scholarships. Manage your time wisely, recycle your applications and essay. Remember to be as unique as possible and separate yourself from the other competition. Also, beware of scholarship scams. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Applying

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH WHAT IS OFFERED
Visit the Scholarship Resource Center to perform an extensive search of the print listings, online databases and websites to know what is offered.  Get to know the full range of scholarships available and write down current and future deadlines so you do not miss out on anything!!!!

READ THE CRITERIA TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU QUALIFY
Scholarships are available for people who are a specific gender, age or ethnicity.  Have you achieved academic excellence or intend to study in a particular field beyond a certain level?  Read through the criteria listed carefully and make sure that you meet the criteria.  Ask a member of our staff to assist you in determining if you are eligible. 

MAKE A LIST OF SCHOLARSHIPS YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR
Scholarship deadlines vary throughout the year.  Please keep in mind most deadlines occur at the beginning of the calendar year.  If you are searching for a scholarship, please plan to start applying at least 6-9 months before you need the money.  If the scholarship has closed for the current year, make a note to apply prior to the deadline the following year. 

GATHER YOUR REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Most scholarships will require that you fill out forms and submit documents of support such as a current FAFSA application, personal essay, transcripts, resume, recommendation letters, etc.  Gather these documents in advance to avoid missing deadlines.

STAY ORGANIZED AND CREATE A REALISTIC PLAN
Now that you have identified all the scholarships you want to apply for you will need to create a spreadsheet which indicates when each one is due, supporting documents you will need to provide for each and when you will receive these documents to submit your applications.

MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION
Remember you are submitting applications and documentation to prove that you are worthy of financial support.  Please proofread, check spelling and make sure that you have provided everything that is asked for.  Make copies of every application sent and provide current contact information.

We encourage you to attend one of our informative workshops offered by the Scholarship Recourse Center to assist you in getting started!  Please view our calendar for a list of upcoming workshop topics and dates. 

Personal Essay

What is a personal essay?
Many scholarship applications require a personal essay. Your essay needs to be no longer than 500 words. The essay is usually the most important part of a scholarship application. Although good test scores, a high GPA, and a solid list of activities are vital, judges frequently give the most weight to the essay because it is your chance to let them know why you deserve money more than all the other qualified applicants. It is the window into who you are, your passions, and your potential for being a good match. It is a way of getting to know you without actually meeting you. The essay is how you stand out—or how you fall flat.  Your personal essay should include the following:

• Plans for the future
  Judges want to award students who want to do something valuable especially if the student’s direction and drive is backed up by grades and activities. 
• Reveal a slice of your life 
  Lead in with a story.  Use examples and illustrations.  A successful essay will elaborate on an activity or experience. Think about yourself in relation to the rest of the world and to understand how you relate, and particularly, what's special about you.  Reflect on your gifts and talents. 
• Focus on success
  A common mistake is writing a sob story. Judges do not want to hear about how much you need financial support. Judges want to be inspired by you. Instead of describing all the hardships you have encountered and telling them that this scholarship is your last chance, explain how you have earned everything you have and let them know how important it is to you to get your education.
• Express your passion
  Make the judges believe in your motives, character, and capacity to reach the goals you have set for yourself.  Create accounts so deeply true and engaging that judges will feel they have a stake in your success.
• Discuss career and academic goals 
  Instead of listing things you have done in the past and simply telling the judges what you are majoring in, tell them why those things will contribute to the knowledge and experience you need for your career and explain why your specific major will familiarize you with the industry you are stepping into.

Additional tips:

• Spend a few hours brainstorming about what you would like to include in your essay. 
• Make sure to answer all the questions provided by the scholarship application and follow directions! 
• It is extremely important to have someone else proofread your essay to avoid making common grammatical errors. 
• Read your essay out loud and feel free to visit the Scholarship Resource Center or attend the workshop on Writing a Winning Personal Essay.

Beware of Scams

• Avoid application fees
• NO Guarantees
• Businesses with no contact information are risky
• Don’t get caught up in advertisements
• Never provide too much personal information