Applying for scholarships is generally a hard task for everyone, but with the right approach, it has the potential to bring very rewarding results. Scholarships are a great way to finance your education without needing to apply for loans, and there are a number of opportunities out there if you know where to look and how to apply. This article will be your guide to navigating the scholarship application process.
Be Ahead of Time
One of the most important pieces of advice that I will be giving is to start early. Scholarship deadlines can be tight on top of all the other school work that you’ll be having, so the earlier you begin you’ll gain more time to look for scholarships, gather the materials, and complete the applications. Starting early allows you to avoid last minute rushing which could cause mess, error and unwanted stress.
Searching Scholarships
An important thing to note, is that when you begin searching for scholarships don’t go looking for them in only one place, otherwise you most likely will not have luck in finding a large number of them that you are eligible to. Remember to explore various sources of scholarships in which you may find various types of scholarships that you may be eligible for. Those types include, ones for academic achievements, community service, sports, or for a specific field of study. Some are offered by schools and others by private organizations, companies, and foundations. Here are the three common types of scholarships you should be aware of:
The Merit based scholarships: These scholarships are among the most popular ones and are usually awarded directly from the university where you are going to study. Merit based scholarships are awarded by choosing students with the most outstanding academic performance, as well as extracurricular activities, artistic, athletic or musical abilities.
Need based scholarships: Depending on how tight your financial situation is, either you personally or your family could automatically qualify for a need based scholarship. These scholarships are often given by government or charity organizations.
Specific scholarships: Many non profit organizations award scholarships where the recipients have to meet specific criteria such as nationality, gender, religion, race, special needs, etc. These scholarships are especially favorable to those who were not able to excel in school but have something special they can offer.
Knowing exactly which category of scholarships you fall into will help narrow down your search to scholarships you are eligible for and have a chance at winning.You can use scholarship websites similar to this one, which really help narrow down your search as they categorize scholarships in an organized way. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all your options so make sure you create a way to be organized throughout the whole process. You can create a spreadsheet or a checklist to keep track of the scholarships you plan to apply for, as well as their deadlines, requirements and any additional materials that are required. This way you can ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines and can keep all your materials and documents in order. If you are applying during school months, have a schedule to stay on top of all your tasks so that you don’t end up with any uncompleted work.
Each scholarship has its own specific requirements, so it’s really important that you read and understand the instructions carefully. Pay attention to the criteria and what the required documents are. Additionally, read what the scholarship is about and what and who it is made for, that way you’ll know the ideal candidate they are looking for. If you start your scholarship hunt quickly, you have the opportunity to prepare yourself to be their ideal candidate and give yourself a good shot at winning. Some common requirements for scholarships are things like an essay, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and proof of financial need. If you know these small details ahead of time, you’ll be able to prepare a complete and excellent application.
Gathering Materials
Once you have a list of scholarships and understand their requirements, start gathering all your materials in one place, like a bag or folder in google drive. This will include:
- Transcripts: Request official transcripts from your school in advance and keep everything in one folder. Letters of Recommendation: Ask your teachers, counselors, or other mentors for letters of recommendation. Tell them as soon as possible and let them know exactly what information is relevant to the scholarship so that they write up a good, well thought out letter.
- Resume: Don’t think that having a resume is only for when you’ll be applying for work, because preparing a resume is always a good idea no matter the circumstance. It’s a way to showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any relevant work experience all in one place which really makes you look professional. Best part about it, is that you can always reuse a resume for another scholarship (or even work) that you may want to apply for. All you’ll need is to be updating it as you progress in life.
- Financial Information: many scholarships require information about your family’s financial background, so be prepared to give them any document that they ask for.
- Essays: Again, many scholarships require essays, even if it’s just a short 250 word essay, so be ready to write about your goals, experience and why you deserve a scholarship.
Write Strong Essays
An essay is often the key part of a scholarship application because it’s your chance to stand out and show the judges who you are outside of school, test scores, and work. You can check out this article about Strategies for Crafting a Winning Scholarship essay, but here are some quick points for writing a strong scholarship essay:
- Be Yourself: Write in your own style (while staying formal) and be genuine. Don’t be so adamant about writing exactly how you’ve seen other past participants write, because the judges want to see who you truly are, not them. You can be yourself by using personal experiences that happened to you to highlight your points. This makes your essay more interesting and unforgettable.
- Stay Focused: While incorporating personal stories, be careful to stay on topic and answer the prompt asked. Make sure your essay has a clear structure, with an introduction, body, and conclusion, and don’t forget to be formal.
- Review your essay: Don’t overlook reviewing your essay at the end because having too many spelling and grammar mistakes makes you seem unprofessional. Be sure to proofread your essay multiple times, and even ask others such as family or even teachers to review it for you.
- Follow the instructions: This is an obvious one, but it’s vital to follow all instructions precisely. Submit all required materials, format your application as requested, and make sure you meet the deadline. Missing any details can easily disqualify you from the scholarship.
Submitting Your Application
Just as you’ve started early, also finish early. Try and submit your application way before the deadline. This not only shows that you are responsible and eager, but it also gives you an advantage incase of any last minute issues, such as technical problems with online submissions, unfortunate personal emergencies and even changes to the scholarship requirements. Moreover, make sure to keep copies of all the materials you’ve submitted. This can be useful one day if there are any issues with your application. In addition to that, you can use them as reference for future scholarship applications. After submitting your application, it can be helpful to follow up if you don’t hear back within the next two months. This shows initiative and continued interest in the scholarship
Impact of a Scholarship
Applying to scholarships can be very competitive and discouraging, especially if you’ve already received rejections over and over from others. However, stay positive and persistent. Even if you don’t win, every application you complete not only improves your skills, but also increases your chances of success so it’ll never be a waste. It also builds up your experiences and skills that would be a great addition to your resume to make it look more attractive to future employers. If you are feeling tempted to give up early and apply for loans remember that receiving a scholarship has impacts beyond just the financial aspect. It can serve as a boost to your confidence, reminding you that your hard work and dedication has been recognized and rewarded. This can motivate you to continue striving for excellence in your academic and personal pursuits. Scholarships also often come with additional opportunities, such as networking events, mentorship programs, and invitations to academic or professional gatherings. These experiences provide valuable connections and insights that can benefit your educational and professional journey. So keep applying to as many scholarships as you are qualified for.
Conclusion
Navigating the scholarship application process can seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and organization you can manage it successfully. Start early, stay organized, and be thorough in your applications. Write compelling essays, follow instructions, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. With persistence and effort, you can find the scholarships that will help you achieve your educational goals.
Lastly, it is important that after you’ve received a scholarship you remember to thank those who helped you along the way, especially your recommenders. A thank you note can go a long way in showing your appreciation and maintaining positive relationships for the future. These connections will potentially help you when looking for a job or more scholarships in the future in a way you wouldn’t have expected.
