Scholarship Tips

Fast Web Scholarship Tips

Top 10 Tips for Winning Scholarship Applications
by Kay Peterson, Ph.D.

Tip #1: Apply only if you are eligible. Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully and make sure you're eligible before you send in your application.

Tip #2: Complete the application in full. If a question doesn't apply, note that on the application. Don't just leave a blank. Be sure to supply all additional supporting material, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation and essays.

Tip #3: Follow directions. Provide everything that's required. But don't supply things that aren't requested—you could be disqualified.

Tip #4: Neatness counts. Always type your application, or if you must print, do so neatly and legibly. Make a couple of photocopies of all the forms before you fill them out. Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet.

Tip #5: Write an essay that makes a strong impression. The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your experience come alive: the "who," "what," "where," and "when " of your topic. The simplest experience can be monumental if you present honestly how you were affected.

Tip #6: Watch all deadlines. To help keep yourself on track, impose your own deadline that is at least two weeks prior to the official deadline. Use the buffer time to make sure everything is ready on time. Don't rely on extensions—very few scholarship providers allow them at all.

Tip #7: Make sure your application gets where it needs to go. Put your name (and Social Security number, if applicable) on all pages of the application. Pieces of your application may get lost unless they are clearly identified.

Tip #8: Keep a back-up file in case anything goes wrong. Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet. If your application goes astray, you'll be able to reproduce it quickly.

Tip #9: Give it a final "once-over." Proofread the entire application carefully. Be on the lookout for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Ask a friend, teacher or parent to proofread it as well.

Tip #10: Ask for help if you need it. If you have problems with the application, don't hesitate to call the funding organization.

Tips for Writing the Scholarship Essay
by Kay Peterson, Ph.D.

Think before you write. Brainstorm to generate some good ideas and then create an outline to help you get going.

Be original. The judges may be asked to review hundreds of essays. It's your job to make your essay stand out from the rest. So be creative in your answers.

Show, don't tell. Use stories, examples and anecdotes to individualize your essay and demonstrate the point you want to make. By using specifics, you'll avoid vagueness and generalities and make a stronger impression.

Develop a theme. Don't simply list all your achievements. Decide on a theme you want to convey that sums up the impression you want to make. Write about experiences that develop that theme.

Know your audience. Personal essays are not "one size fits all." Write a new essay for each application—one that fits the interests and requirements of that scholarship organization. You're asking to be selected as the representative for that group. The essay is your chance to show how you are the ideal representative.

Submit an essay that is neat and readable. Make sure your essay is neatly typed, and that there is a lot of white space on the page. Double-space the essay, and provide adequate margins (1"-1 1/2") on all sides.

Make sure your essay is well written. Proofread carefully, check spelling and grammar and share your essay with friends or teachers. Another pair of eyes can catch errors you might miss.

Learning Assistance Center

The staff at the Learning Assistance Center will help students with technical aspects of the scholarship essay, i.e. composition and grammar. The Learning Assistance Center , North Building 122, is typically open Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Scholarship Personal Statement Guide(PDF)

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