Finding and applying for scholarships can seem overwhelming. If you are interested in applying for scholarships, having a plan before you get started is key to success. Below we have put together a list of tips and resources for the scholarship application process.
- Get Organized
- Research and Investigate Possible Scholarships
- Gather Necessary Materials
- Completing the Scholarship Application
- After Receiving Awards
- Resources for Scholarship Application Materials
Get Organized
Select a place to keep all your scholarship information and documents. This will help you complete the other steps in applying for scholarships. Not being organized puts you at risk of not only losing important information/documents but also losing your scholarship opportunity!
Examples:
- a paper folder for scholarship information only
- a digital folder on your computer’s desktop (backed up on a flash drive or cloud system)
- a digital cloud storage service (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.)
- a digital note-taking app (Freeform for iOs/macOS, Notability for iOs and macOS, Notion) or spreadsheet app (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)
Research and Investigate Possible Scholarships
One of your first steps in finding scholarships should be to talk to your advisor, professors, and other people in your program. These people should have “insider” information about what scholarship opportunities are available and relevant to you. Otherwise, we recommend you:
- Complete an exhaustive search online for scholarships relevant to you.
- Find out information about the organizations awarding scholarships.
- Pick up or download copies of scholarship applications.
- Complete a budget worksheet.
- Talk to scholarship recipients and find out what has worked for them.
- Write down and track the due dates of all scholarships you are interested in.
Gather Necessary Materials
Most scholarships ask for additional materials aside from the application itself. Make a list of the required materials for your chosen scholarship(s) and then gather them. This will help you make sure you don’t miss anything.
Possible materials:
- Get copies of your transcripts.
- Make copies of awards and certificates.
- Ask for letters of recommendation from advisors/professors/people in your life who know you well and can provide relevant written support for you. It is important to do this well in advance! Ask to meet possible recommenders in person to discuss your scholarship opportunity. If they can’t meet in person, then go ahead and respectfully ask for a letter of recommendation via email instead.
- Write and revise any required essays. Plan this in advance too: don’t write your essays at the last minute. Make sure you completely answer the prompt/essay question(s). Have at least one other person read over it before you submit it. A trusted person in your program (advisor, professor) is ideal. You can also go to the UNO Writing Center (linked here and in the resources list below). For more tips on the writing process, see the resource links below.
Completing the Scholarship Application
Complete the scholarship application carefully and thoroughly. Read all the fine print. We also recommend you:
- Proofread and edit all your documents carefully. Remember to check for spelling, grammar and punctuation. Have at least one person you trust look over them.
- Make copies of all parts of the applications.
- Send or deliver the applications on time.
- Keep a record of when you sent the applications.
- Send thank you notes to those who wrote recommendations for you, and anyone else who was particularly helpful.
After Receiving Awards
Keeping track of all scholarships you receive is a good idea in general (such as on your resume), but especially as it can help you receive other opportunities/scholarships later on! Additionally:
- Send thank you notes for each award received.
- Ask about the procedure for awarding the scholarship.
- Notify the Financial Aid Office of the college you will attend of all scholarships received.
Resources for Scholarship Application Materials
At UNO
Online Resources
Personal Statements
- “Writing the Personal Statement,” Purdue Online Writing Lab
- “Personal Statement: Top 10 Rules and Pitfalls,” Purdue Online Writing Lab
Other Materials / Information