Tips for Scholarships
Finding Scholarships:
- Don’t fall for scams. you should NEVER pay to get a scholarship. Do not give out personal financial information like bank accounts, credit card information, or your Social Security Number.
- Don’t underestimate small scholarships. The smaller award scholarships are often less competitive.
- Don’t wait until your senior year to look for scholarships, they are available for grades 10-12 all year round!
Before You Apply:
- Create a scholarship resume (awards, service, experiences, activities, leadership, skills etc.).
- Use a calendar and checklist to get organized.
- Prioritize your applications by deadline.
Essay Tips:
- It’s the story that counts!
- Be creative, use fresh language and think outside the box
- Give examples and be specific.
- Be passionate in your essay and write about something of interest to you.
- Proofread a printed copy of the essay for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Additional Tips:
- Use a professional email address
- Remove inappropriate and immature material on your social media accounts.
- Make a photocopy of your application before mailing it.
- Send the application by certified mail with delivery confirmation.
- Apply early and often…Apply, apply, apply!
Most Common Application Mistakes:
- Missing deadlines
- Failing to follow directions – i.e. essay length
- Leaving out required information
- Failing to tailor the application to the sponsor
- Failing to proofread the application
- Exaggerating or lying on the application
- Applying for an award for which you do not qualify
- Writing a boring or potentially offensive essay.
Scholarship Toolkit - Keeping a solid scholarship resume is important. Instead of applying for a job, you’re applying for free money! This toolkit will help you start your scholarship resume, which you can continue adding to throughout high school.
