What if you had all the secrets to winning a scholarship? Would you tell the world — or keep them for yourself? Nationally recognized financial aid and scholarship expert, Mark Kantrowitz,does have all the secrets, and fortunately, he’s spilling everything he knows.
Kantrowitz has provided Fastweb with the top 12 and more tips on winning a scholarship and Asf Comedy Unit are ready to share them with you:
1. Start searching for scholarships as soon as possible. Don’t wait until spring of your senior year in high school to start searching, or you’ll miss half the deadlines. There are many scholarships available to students in grades 9, 10 and 11, not just high school seniors. There are even scholarships for students in grades K-8. Continue searching for scholarships even after you are enrolled in college.
2. Answer all of the optional questions on a scholarship matching web site for about twice as many matches.
3. 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.
4. Compile a list of all your accomplishments. This will help you identify your strengths and prepare a better application.
5. 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.
6. Look for local scholarships on bulletin boards near the guidance counselor of financial aid offices, or the library’s jobs and careers section.
7. Apply to every scholarship for which you are eligible. Pursue less competitive scholarships, such as small awards and essay contests, since they are easier to win and the money adds up and helps you win bigger scholarships.
8. Don’t miss deadlines. Use a calendar and checklist to get organized.
9. Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals. Read and follow the instructions carefully.
10. 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.
11. If you have difficulty writing essays, try recording yourself as you answer the question out loud, and transcribe the recording later. Most people can think and speak faster than they can write or type. Create an outline afterward to organize your thoughts.
12. 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.
13. Personalize your essay and be passionate. Write about something of interest to you. Make your application stand out from the crowd. Talk about your impact on other people. Give examples and be specific.
14. Make several photocopies of all the forms you receive. Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet.
15. It is always best to type the application. If you must print, do so neatly and legibly.
16. 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.
17. Google your name and make sure you have a professional online profile. Use a professional email address, such as firstname.lastname@gmail.com. Clean up the content of your Facebook account, removing inappropriate and immature material.
18. Many students fail to follow directions. You can give yourself a competitive advantage by reading the directions carefully.
19. Provide everything that is required. But do not supply things that are not requested. You will not impress and you might be disqualified.
20. Be sure to complete the entire application. If a question does not apply, note that on the application. Do not just leave it blank.
21. Proofread a printed copy of your essay and the application for spelling and grammar errors.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. Make a photocopy of your application before mailing it. Send the application by certified mail, return receipt requested or with delivery confirmation.
