What is a scholarship?

1. What is a scholarship?

2. A scholarship is a financial award given to a student on the basis of academic achievement and promise.

3. Many scholarships are awarded based on merit. However, some also take into account financial need.

4. Like grants, scholarships do not have to be repaid.

5. Where can I look for scholarships?

6. If you are an Incoming Freshman/Transfer Student: Start with the Institution you plan to attend. Most colleges have deadlines for INCOMING Freshman &/or Transfer Student Scholarships.

7. By simply completing your admission application by a certain deadline you will be “automatically” considered for many Freshman/Transfer Scholarships.

8. Check the College’s Scholarship website for additional scholarship opportunities. Students should check these REGULARLY as an “incoming” as well as a “current” student.

9. We also suggest for students to check with their major department, as well as external scholarship opportunities. Remember colleges can’t post everything!

10. If you are still in High School check with your High School Counselor as they may also have information on scholarships that are available through the high school & other organizations.

11. Also check with your church; community organizations; employer; employers of your parents, grandparents, &/or spouse may offer scholarship opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask!

12. Keep in mind that your best odds are with local organizations. The applicant pool is much smaller then with national scholarships.

13. As you can see, there are many scholarship resources available. You just need to spend the time to look for them.

14. There are also many online scholarship databases that will help you search for scholarships you may be eligible for.

15. How can I prioritize my scholarship search?

16. If you had unlimited time, you could apply for every scholarship that you qualified for.

17. But since your time is limited, you need to focus on the scholarships you have the best shot at winning.

18. The Institution you are planning to attend, local community, or organizations that you are affiliated with deserve your initial focus.

19. From there, if you have time, focus on the remaining scholarships on your list.

20. Is it worth it to apply for scholarships?

21. If you are willing to spend the time to apply for scholarships, it should pay off for you.

22. Say, for example, you spend five hours preparing a scholarship application, writing an essay, and collecting two letters of recommendation.

23. If you were awarded a $250 scholarship, that would mean you made $50 for every hour you worked on the scholarship application.

24. That’s a lot better than most part-time jobs!

25. Should I have to pay to apply for a scholarship?

26. No, you should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.

27. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be the target of a scholarship scam.

28. Before you pay to apply for a scholarship, contact the Scholarship Office or go to the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams.

29. What are some tips on filling out a great scholarship application?

30. By the time you apply for a scholarship, there won’t be much you can do to improve your grades or enhance your work or volunteer experiences.

31. But you will be able to control the physical appearance of your application. Take the time to have it look as strong as possible. Appearance does matter.

32. If you are applying for a scholarship online, be sure to take advantage of technology! Type your application responses into a word processing software program, and spell check it to eliminate typo's.

33. If you are filling out a paper application, you may want to recreate the application using a word processing software program. Otherwise, be sure your information is legible and any required essays or letters are typed.

34. What are some tips on getting great letters of recommendation?

35. Begin by brainstorming who might write a letter of recommendation for you. Consider particular teachers, counselors, youth group advisors, and employers who know you well.

36. Once you identify potential letter writers, approach a few more recommenders than the minimum required for the scholarship. It’s always best to have backup letter writers, just in case.

37. Finally, give your letter writers sufficient time to write a great letter of recommendation for you.

38. 10 Tips for Writing Effective Scholarship Essays

39. Read the instructions and make sure you understand them before you start writing. • Think about what you are going to write and organize your thoughts before you start writing.

40. Begin the writing process by writing an outline. • Make sure your outline touches on every aspect required per the instructions.

41. Write your essay by elaborating on each of the points in your outline. • Use clear, concise and simple language throughout the essay.

42. State your accomplishments without coming across as if you are bragging. • Make sure your grammar and spelling are impeccable.

43. Read the question again and then read your essay to be certain that the essay addresses every point. • Have someone with strong writing and editing skills proofread the essay before you submit it.http://www.scholarships.com

44. One page is sufficient. You can use this same essay or pieces of this essay for other scholarships as long as it addresses what is required.

45. Remember: Strong emphasis is put on these essays. It allows committee member(s) to get a better sense of who the applicants really are.

46. GOOD LUCK!