Applying For Scholarships

by Lisa Sousa

How Do I Apply For A Scholarship?

As you may know by now, scholarships are not just handed to students. Students must apply for a scholarship in order to receive one. This might seem like a daunting task, but it is actually a very easy process that is accomplished in several steps. The first step is to ask for the scholarship by contacting the school or organization that is sponsoring it. Secondly, since scholarships have eligibility requirements, make sure you meet these requirements before applying. Thirdly, make sure that you check the amount of money the scholarship offers to know if you might need additional scholarships or financial aid to help with your college expenses.

When Should I Search For A Scholarship?

Because most scholarships have deadlines for applications, it is wise to start searching early to assure better chances of getting one. Browse through our site, go to your guidance counselor's office, or visit the library or financial aid office for scholarship listings. Ask for scholarships that are available to you as well as getting as many brochures as you can. With this information, find as many scholarships as you can that you might be eligible for and apply for them. It is a good idea to apply for scholarships that you are most likely to win (for example, a music student getting a music scholarship), than one that offers a lot of money that you may not be qualified for. It is also wise that you know everything about that scholarship that you need to know before applying and that if you have further questions, that they will be answered by the sponsor.

What Is The Application Process?

You can request a scholarship application in one of three ways, depending on the institution or organization that is offering the scholarship; you can either write, e mail or call. If writing your request, by regular or e mail, make sure you follow the standards in terms of business letter writing. Make sure you keep records on the scholarship programs that you have applied for, as well as the list of requirements that you need to prepare. The information that you will need for your records include the application deadlines, appointments, follow up calls and important contact people that you will be communicating with. Upon receiving the application, make sure that you have read through the necessary information that it requires. It is very important that the scholarship application be filled out as neatly as possible by typing or printing legibly. It is advisable not to leave any questions blank and if a question does not apply to you, make sure you indicate it on the form. If there is any part of the application that you do not understand, do not hesitate to contact the sponsor for clarification. Do not forget to sign and date your application before turning it in. Once you have filled out the application, make sure you make a copy of it as well as gathering the necessary materials that might be necessary for the scholarship program. These materials might include photocopies of your parents' tax returns and other financial information, proof of eligibility, FAFSA or PROFILE forms, standardized test scores, birth certificate, school transcripts, certifications, citations and letters of recommendation. Some applications might also require an essay; these should be kept to the point, within the word and page limits and written about whatever topic the program requires. Make sure that it is legible and free of grammatical and typographical errors. It is also advisable to make a copy of the essay for future applications and for reference. Once you have all the necessary materials, mail them and wait for a call back from them for an interview. The next step is an interview or, in the case of talent based scholarships, an audition.

Is There Anything That I Need To Be Aware When Applying For Scholarships?

A very important thing to remember in your scholarship search is to be aware of awards that are supposedly "guaranteed" or that you have to pay for. To learn more about scholarship scams, read the article on student aid scams on this site. Legitimate scholarships are gifts that are awarded to students based on their eligibility and merit and therefore
the student shouldn't have to pay for them.

With a little perseverance, creativity and patience, scholarships will take a huge chunk out of your college expenses that you otherwise would have to pay for.