TIPS ON APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Look for Scholarships and Information Everywhere:

1. Use every reference source available to you. Internet, library, counselors, and past and present students.
2. Visit the financial aid office at the college you plan to attend.
3. Visit with the Dean of your department and/or college.
4. Visit with groups and clubs you are interested in joining when attending college. Multicultural Affairs, club sports, and college or major specific groups i.e. engineering, agriculture, etc..
5. Go to your school library and public library for scholarship books, they can be more specific than online searches.
6. Go to your counseling office.
7. Always read the newspapers.
8. Contact local community and church organizations for scholarship information.
9. Contact the businesses in your community for scholarship opportunities.
10. Check with your employer or your parents’ employer for scholarships from the company.
11. Be mindful of what it takes to get merit based scholarships- senioritis may cost you in the long run.
12. Talk to other students about scholarship opportunities.

The Application:

1. If you meet the basic requirements for an award……… APPLY!
2. Write or email the sources you are interested in.  Many prefer that you not call.
3. Use a standard form letter when requesting information.
4. Apply to as many sources as possible- but make sure you meet the qualifications.  Read the application completely!
5. Set up a scholarship file that has copies of your letter, transcripts, personal statements and essays, and letters of recommendation.
6. Have someone proof read your letters and applications.
7. Make sure paper copies you are sending are neat AND clean!
8. Keep a calendar with the application deadlines and look at it every day.
9. Make sure you have taken necessary tests and admissions application by the deadlines.
10. NEVER become discouraged- NEVER talk yourself out of applying. You have as much a chance to receive awards as any other applicant.

Filling Out The Forms:

1. Read the form completely before you begin.
2. Be complete and concise, but also creative.  Many forms that are not complete are thrown out.
3. Clearly emphasize your ambitions, goals, and what makes you different from other applicants.
4. Forward any information received after the application is sent (such as: transcripts, awards received or recommendations).  The more information they have on you the better your chances.
5. Write legibly.  If at all possible fill in forms online.  It looks more professional.
6. Avoid spelling errors and have someone proof read your form before you send it.
7. Be as accurate as possible.
8. BE PERSISTENT

101 Scholarship Info

There should be no reason to pay a fee to apply for any scholarship - usually scholarships asking for a fee are a hoax – don’t fall victim to this!

Other areas to search for scholarships:

Corporations offer scholarships to attract and retain employees, support the communities where the business is located and encourage entrants into the business' field of work. These are often the scholarships that go unawarded for lack of applicants.

Search for corporation scholarships by checking with parents' employers for possible programs, researching businesses in your region and searching your newspaper's archives for award announcements. Students may have a much greater chance of receiving a private corporation award because geographic, employment and other restrictions narrow the number of candidates.

Religious organizations often award scholarships to help their members afford the cost of college. If students and student families are affiliated with a specific religious group, check with your local groups about the availability of scholarships.

Unions are a major source of scholarship funds. The AFL-CIO website offers a scholarship search service related to union-sponsored scholarships that includes $4,000,000 in available funds.

The military is a well-known source of college scholarships. The Air Force ROTC program can pay up to full college tuition plus a stipend for books. Military scholarships are awarded in return for a tour of duty with the branch of the military supporting your education. Be sure you're prepared to fulfill the terms of your scholarship agreement. If the prospect of military service fits with your goals, a military scholarship may be an excellent way for you to underwrite your college education.

Use the military link at www.student.gov to locate the sites that you should search for military scholarships, including special scholarships for veterans.

Clubs & Organizations: There are local, state, and national clubs and organizations with a wealth of scholarships.

• Service clubs such as Rotary, Jaycee, Kiwanis, etc.  These groups often offer scholarships on many levels.
• Fraternity/Sorority clubs
• Specific membership; i.e. Journalism, Band, Tall Club International, Italian American Club

FastWeb

Is the largest, most accurate and most frequently updated scholarship database. If you supply an email address, they will notify you when new awards that match your profile are added to the database. You can even submit an electronic application to some of the scholarships listed in the FastWeb scholarship database, saving you time and money. FastWeb also includes a college search and numerous other student resources.

Scholarships   

This interesting site offers a free search after registration and profile development. The search results include an indication of the value of the scholarship, maximum awarded, due date and relevance to your situation as well as a way to select offerings that are placed in a "my scholarships" folder.

Student Scholarships 

This site has an option for parents and counselors you can view some scholarships immediately OR you can register for free to search over 24,000 scholarships.

Scholarship Experts

They are one of the most comprehensive free online scholarship searches available to students, parents, and educators.