Tips and Guidelines
Application Tips
Students are encouraged to follow these helpful tips and guidelines for developing a solid 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 essays.
- Remember to be as unique as possible and separate yourself from the competition.
There is no single source that you can access to locate all scholarships for which you may be eligible. You will need to access a variety of sources such as scholarship books, database searches, searching online, and inquiring through academic departments. We recommend that you use a few different databases in addition to our database since none are comprehensive.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Perform an extensive search of books, print listings, identified online databases and recommended 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!
- Keep in mind most deadlines occur at the beginning of the calendar year.
- Plan to start applying for scholarships 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.
Once you're familiarized...
- Read the description of each award to make sure that you qualify.
- Read through the criteria listed carefully and make sure that you meet the criteria.
- Gather all required documents of support (e.g. current FAFSA app, personal essay, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) as far in advance as possible to avoid missing deadlines.
- Create a spreadsheet which indicates the due date of each scholarship, the required supporting documents for each, and when you will receive these documents to submit your applications.
- Proofread, check spelling and make sure that you have provided everything that is required.
- Make copies of every application sent and provide current contact information.
Personal Essay
Many scholarship applications require a personal essay or statement of purpose. Ideally 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.
- Spend a few hours brainstorming about what you would like to include in your essay.
- Try to make your essay as unique and memorable as possible. Think about yourself in relation to the rest of the world and to understand how you relate, and particularly, what's special about you.
- Make sure that you will be able to answer all questions provided by the scholarship application and follow directions.
- If you are submitting an essay previously written for another scholarship, make sure to tailor it to the specific scholarship for which you are applying.
- Include your 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.
- Intrigue judges by starting with a story. A successful essay will elaborate on an activity or experience.
- Reflect on your gifts and talents.
- Create accounts so deeply true and engaging that judges will feel they have a stake in your success.
- Write a sob story. Judges don’t want to hear about how much you need financial support but rather how you have earned everything you have and let them know how important it is to you to get your education.
- Submit a last minute draft. Even the best writers make the simplest mistakes.
- Use clichés. They say to the judges that you did not put much thought into your essay.
- Write your own question. If the topic required does not apply to you, search for other scholarships that do.
Example Questions Answered by Personal Essay
- What was the most difficult time in your life and why? How did your perspective on life change as a result of the difficulty? How will this knowledge help you succeed in college?
- Discuss a significant activity, experience, or achievement that has changed your life and explain how and why.
- Describe your personal and family background and how you turned your challenges into opportunities.
- What do you want to accomplish after college? Explain why you have set these goals and how you will accomplish them.
It is extremely important to have someone else proofread your essay to avoid making common grammatical errors. Have at least three individuals other than family members review your essay and make suggestions for improvement. Last but not least, take a few minutes to read your essay out loud. If you are still uncertain that you have a winning essay, feel free to visit or contact the Scholarship Resource Center to schedule an essay review appointment.
We encourage you to attend one of our informative workshops offered by the Scholarship Resource Center to assist you in getting started! Please view our calendar for a list of upcoming workshop topics and dates.
