Whether
you're applying for an undergraduate degree or a graduate degree,
winning scholarship money can go a long way toward helping to pay
your educational expenses. Here are five tips to help you apply
for and win scholarship dollars.
Tip
#1: Think small
This
might sound counterintuitive, but when you're searching for scholarship
opportunities consider local scholarships first. Think about any
hobbies or organizations you or your family are involved with and
find out if they offer any kind of scholarships. Check with local
businesses as well. These should be the scholarships you consider
first.
Why?
Local and small scholarships often have a smaller applicant pool,
meaning your chance of getting the scholarship is increased. Also,
smaller scholarship organizations are usually more willing and able
to answer any questions you may have during the application process.
Often these groups are more than happy to help applicants through
the scholarship process, and you often make great local contacts
in the process.
Tip
#2: Do your research
When
applying for a scholarship, make sure you clearly understand the
guidelines and the application process so you don't waste time applying
for scholarships you aren't likely to win.
Start
by checking out scholarship directories and look for any scholarships
you qualify for. The internet is great for conducting scholarship
searches. You don't have to pay for scholarship information on the
web, although pay sites are available. There are also several free
websites available. The website fastweb.com is one of the most popular
free scholarship databases online. You can search their database
and also find tips on job searches and college profiles.
In
addition to online searching, you can also go to your local library
and search one of the many scholarship directories published each
year. While you're there, you can also browse some of the countless
scholarship guidebooks that have been published over the years.
One
book that many people have found helpful is How to Go to College
Almost for Free by Ben Kaplan. Kaplan's book holds a wealth of information
on what types of scholarships are available, how to apply, and how
to win the scholarships that are right for you. Most libraries carry
the book, or it can easily be ordered online.
You'll
want to make a list of all the scholarships you potentially qualify
for. Locate as many scholarships as you can. With so many students
vying for a limited number of scholarship dollars, you'll want to
apply for as many scholarships as you possibly can.
Tip
#3: Sell, sell, sell
Once
you've targeted a list of scholarships you qualify for, you have
to sell yourself and your abilities to the scholarship committee.
There are many, many books written on this topic that can be found
in libraries, and there are countless websites dedicated to teaching
you how to sell yourself. Any of these resources will give you detailed
information, but the bottom line for winning scholarships is: you'll
want to submit a killer essay.
Many
scholarships require an essay or personal statement, so this where
you'll spend most of your energy. Give yourself plenty of time to
work on it and take the time to perfect your essay. You'll want
to show the scholarship committee that you are worthy of the scholarship
and that you'll use the money to actively contribute to society.
Start
by making a list of your achievements, personal and academic. You'll
also need to think of a personal story that demonstrates how you've
succeeded at a task or overcome some obstacle. The story is the
core of your essay and it serves as a frame to showcase your accomplishments.
This is the time to show your passion and your ability to succeed.
Take your time and craft a compelling essay.
Tip
#4: Be early
When
applying for scholarships, always plan ahead. If you need letters
of recommendation, make sure you ask people well in advance. Get
your personal statement finished well in advance of the deadline
so you'll have plenty of time to do any edits and have someone else
look it over.
Never
wait until the last minute to turn in a scholarship application.
It's almost guaranteed that if something can go wrong, it will.
If you need letters of recommendation, there will probably be unexpected
delays in getting them. Make all your requests early, follow up
with your recommenders, and allow for plenty of extra time before
the deadline. There are few things more nerve wracking than trying
to put together an application packet days before the deadline.
Tip
#5: Give thanks
Whether
you receive the scholarship or not, always be sure to send a thank
you card to anyone who wrote you a letter of recommendation or helped
you with your personal statement or application. It's a huge time
investment on their part to write a letter or review an essay for
you so show your gratitude. Tell them how much their help meant
to you. In addition to being the polite thing to do, it also keeps
the lines of communication open between you. After all, you may
need to ask them for assistance again during the next round of scholarship
applications.
Getting
a scholarship can help lower the cost of going to college. You may
find yourself applying or reapplying for them every year you're
in school. By doing your research and following a few common-sense
tips, you can increase your chances of winning scholarships. This
is great for your resume and your pocketbook. Good luck with your
scholarship search.- AJ
Kerr
