Searching for Scholarships
Tips on Winning Scholarships
- Prioritize your applications by deadline and the expected value of the scholarship
- Use a calendar and checklist to get organized
- Create an accomplishment’s resume
- Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals
- Read and follow the instructions
- Make your application stand out from the crowd
- Ask to be nominated
- Practice on a copy of the application form
Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay
- Answer the essay question orally and transcribe the recording
- Use an outline to organize your thoughts
- Give examples and be specific
- Personalize your essay and be passionate
- Write about something of interest to you
- Talk about your impact on other people
- Proofread a printed copy of the essay for spelling and grammar errors
- Have someone else proofread the essay
Tips for Letters of Recommendation
- Ask the teacher whether she can write you a great letter of recommendation
- The recommendation should be relevant to the scholarship sponsor’s goal
- Provide the recommender with a copy of your accomplishment’s resume
- Provide the recommender with a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) and all required forms
- Thank the recommender for writing the letter
Other scholarship Application Tips
- Use a professional email address, such as [email protected]
- Clean up the content of your Facebook account, removing inappropriate and immature material
- Google your name to see what shows up
- Make a photocopy of your application before mailing it
- Send the application by certified mail, return receipt requested or with delivery confirmation
- If rejected, ask for the reviewer comments