SCHOLARSHIP TIPS

TOP TEN SCHOLARSHIP TIPS

Ever wonder what the folks who award the scholarships want to see? FinAid and
FastWeb have polled scholarship providers across the country, asking for their
tips on applying for scholarships.

Tip 1: Give concrete examples.
• If your answer to an essay question is abstract, support it with a concrete
example that illustrates your point. The scholarship sponsor wants to see
evidence that you satisfy their criteria, not just unsupported statements.

Tip 2: Apply only if you are eligible.
• Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully, and make
sure that you are eligible before you send in your application. Your
application will not be considered if you aren't qualified to apply.

Tip 3: Identify the sponsor's goals.
• Try to understand the sponsor's motivation in offering the award. Do they
want to promote interest in their field? Do they want to identify promising
future researchers and business leaders? If you can identify their goals,
you can direct your application toward satisfying those goals, increasing
your chances of winning the award.

Tip 4: Complete the application in full and follow directions.
• Many students fail to follow directions. You can give yourself a competitive
advantage by reading the directions carefully.
• Provide everything that is required. But don't supply things that aren't
requested. You won't impress and you might be disqualified.
• Be sure to complete the entire application. If a question doesn't apply,
note that on the application. Don't just leave it blank.

Tip 5: Neatness counts.
• Make several photocopies of all the forms you receive. Use the copies as
working drafts as you develop your application packet.
• It's always best to type the application. If you must print, do so neatly and
legibly.
• Proofread the entire application carefully. Nothing is less impressive than
an application with misspelled words or grammar errors. Ask a friend,
teacher or parent to proofread it as well.

Tip 6: Write an accomplishments resume.
• Compile a list of all your accomplishments. This will help you identify your
strengths and prepare a better application.
• Give a copy of the resume to the people who are writing letters of
recommendation for you. They will be able to work some of the tidbits into
their letters, making it seem like they know you better.

Tip 7: Watch all deadlines.
• Impose a deadline for yourself that is at least two weeks before the stated
deadline. Use this 'buffer time' to proofread your application before you
send it off.
• YOU are responsible for making sure all parts of the application arrive on
time. This includes supporting materials, such as letters of
recommendation and transcripts. So make sure everyone who is
contributing to your application has ample lead-time.
• If worse comes to worst, call the scholarship provider in advance and ask
if it's possible to receive an extension. Don't just send the materials in late;
many committees will refuse late applications. But don't rely on extensions
- very few scholarship providers allow them at all.

Tip 8: Take steps to make sure your application gets where it needs to go.
• Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet and keep
it on file. If your application goes astray, you can always reproduce it
quickly.
• Make sure your name (and social security number, if applicable) appears
on all pages of the application. Pieces of your application may get lost
unless they are clearly identified.

Tip 9: Ask for help if you need it.
• If you have problems with the application, do not hesitate to call the
sponsor. They will usually be glad to give you help. But don't expect them
to do the work for you. Completing the application is your job.

Tip 10: Remember - your scholarship application represents YOU!
• Your ability to submit a neat, timely, complete application reflects on you.
It's the face you present to the sponsoring organization. Take pride in
yourself by submitting the best application you can.