It is important to think about ways to finance your education. If you are interested in applying for scholarships, you should have a plan before you apply:
Get Organized
- Select a place to keep all your scholarship documents.
- Purchase a disk or flash-drive exclusively for storing scholarship files.
- Track application due dates with the Application Tracking Sheet.
Gather Necessary Materials
- Complete an exhaustive scholarship search (network and/or internet).
- Pick up or download copies of scholarship applications.
- Find out information about the organizations awarding scholarships.
- Ask for a letter of recommendation. It is important to do this well in advance! Examine the Request for Reference sample letter.
- Get copies of your transcripts.
- Complete a budget worksheet.
- Make copies of awards and certificates.
Get Going
- Talk to scholarship recipients, and find out what has worked for them.
- Write your personal statements and save them to a disk or flash drive. Answer the questions on the Personal Data Sheet to get started on your personal statement, and read the Sample Personal Statement to get your ideas flowing.
- Complete the scholarship application. Read all the fine print.
- Proofread and edit all your documents carefully.
- Make copies of all parts of the applications, and the recommendation letters.
- Send or deliver the applications on time.
- Keep a record of when you sent or delivered the applications, using the Application Tracking Sheet.
- Send thank you notes to those who wrote recommendations for you, and anyone else who was particularly helpful.
Keys for Success
- When requesting application forms and information, remember that your letter is your introduction. The letter should be clear, concise and neat.
- Many scholarships have early application deadlines. Be sure to note the deadlines and requirements for each scholarship.
- Fill out the application completely, and do not expect the reader to make assumptions; explain your situation and ideas clearly.
- Type your applications, essays and letters. Remember to check for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- If you type your application on the computer, make sure the print and font are professional, clear and easy to read.
- Many scholarships require a letter of reference. The scholarship organization may send you a form or ask for a confidential letter.
- Follow instructions explicitly and provide what is asked of you. Do not send transcripts or other materials until they are requested.
- Have your work proofread by a second party.
- Choose your words carefully; application space and the reader’s time are usually limited.
- Sell yourself! Present yourself in the best light, but be honest.
- Once you have been asked to provide transcripts, if possible send them together with applications and letters of recommendation as a complete packet, rather than separately.
- Remember to sign your letters and applications. Do not forget to provide the necessary postage.
- Most scholarships are highly competitive. Do your best, and do not hesitate to ask your instructors or parents for advice.
- Allow for mail delays in meeting deadlines. If you can apply online, choose this over mail delivery.
Get Ready for the Rewards
- Keep track of all scholarships you receive.
- 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.