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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 are not 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 do not supply things
that are not requested. You will not impress and you might be
disqualified.
Be sure to complete the entire application. If a question does
not apply, note that on the application. Do not 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 is 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 is possible to receive an extension. Do not just send the
materials in late; many committees will refuse late applications.
But do not 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. But do not expect anyone to do the work for you.
Completing
the application is your job. At IU South Bend you can call the
Office of Student Scholarships at (574) 520-4483 (or toll free at
1-877-462-4872
x4483) and the Writing Center at (574) 520-4495 (or toll free at 1-877-462-4872 x4495).
Tip 10: Remember - your scholarship application represents
YOU!
Your ability to submit a neat, timely, complete application reflects
on you. It is the face you present to the sponsoring
organization.
Take pride in yourself by submitting the best application you can.
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Special thanks to the scholarship specialists who contributed to this
list of scholarship tips:
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Copyright (c) 2000 by FinAid Page
LLC. All rights reserved.
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