Scholarship Tips
From Fastweb.com
1. Prepare for the application process.
Most scholarship applications are more than just a form or essay. Some require your high school transcript while others will ask for letters of recommendation. In preparation for the application process, you should start formulating who and what you need from teachers, counselors, etc.
2. Follow the directions.
After filling out countless college and financial aid applications, you may think you’ve got the gist of this whole applying thing; but you should never assume that a scholarship application is like any other form you’ve ever completed. Not that scholarship sponsors are trying to trick you, but following the instructions is paramount. After all, one misstep could have your scholarship application thrown into the trash.
3. Stay organized.
If you’re applying to multiple scholarships, which you should be doing, it can be easy to confuse deadlines. That’s why you should not only keep track of deadlines with your planner or a calendar app, but also organize scholarships in separate folders by name and deadline. In the folder, you can keep all of the components of the scholarship application that you may be working on, like the form, essay and transcript.
4. Check once, check twice and keep track.
Before you submit your scholarship applications, check that you’ve answered every question, followed all instructions and made corrections to all typos and mistakes. If you’re reusing components from another application, make sure you’ve updated anything on the application that may refer to another scholarship or foundation. When sending your application via email, follow up within a week to ensure the scholarship committee received all pieces – or if sending by mail, make sure you purchase tracking and follow up to guarantee it has been delivered.
Check out the following seven “C’s” – ways you can increase your chances of obtaining sought-after scholarships.
1. Content
There’s plenty of content detailing directions of how to successfully apply for scholarships. Such content exists in resources like books, testimonials of scholarship winners and websites, like Fastweb. Utilize this information to create your own road map to gaining scholarship funds.
2. Commitment
Applying for scholarships is a numbers game. The more you apply to, the better your chances of winning. Unfortunately, it’s difficult at times to win a scholarship and not everyone is guaranteed to win one.
But people really do win scholarships, often through our site, and Fastweb’s Wall of Fame proves it.
Most of these winners will tell you that it’s vital that you never give up applying for scholarships – because then you’re guaranteed to never win one.
3. Communicate
Let others around you know that you’re looking for scholarship opportunities, as well as opportunities to gain experiences that scholarship providers will value.
Let your teachers, mentors and guidance counselors know so that they can provide letters of recommendation to include within your scholarship applications.
4. Causes
Take opportunities to volunteer for causes you’re passionate about. It looks great to scholarship providers and, if it’s a cause you’re really passionate about, you’ll also likely stick with it longer.
If you’re a student that cares about issues and are committed to making a difference in the world, scholarship providers are more likely to notice and value your contributions.
5. Create
If opportunities aren’t presenting themselves, create them. If you’re interested in something and your school doesn’t have a club for it already – create one. Taking initiative looks great and, if you’re passionate enough to create the opportunity, you will likely enjoy participating in it.
It also helps show scholarship providers that you’re willing to take on leadership roles when necessary.
6. Compliment
When it comes to scholarship applications, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn! Your achievements are something to be proud of and something providers should absolutely be aware of.
Remember, each achievement gives you an extra edge and will help distinguish you from the competition.
7. Curriculum
Try to balance out your curriculum by taking a mix of more and less challenging courses. Remember, a lot of scholarships do take your grade point average into consideration!
If you balance your courses, you’re much more likely to be able to maintain a higher GPA since your coursework will be manageable.
1. Prepare for the application process.
Most scholarship applications are more than just a form or essay. Some require your high school transcript while others will ask for letters of recommendation. In preparation for the application process, you should start formulating who and what you need from teachers, counselors, etc.
2. Follow the directions.
After filling out countless college and financial aid applications, you may think you’ve got the gist of this whole applying thing; but you should never assume that a scholarship application is like any other form you’ve ever completed. Not that scholarship sponsors are trying to trick you, but following the instructions is paramount. After all, one misstep could have your scholarship application thrown into the trash.
3. Stay organized.
If you’re applying to multiple scholarships, which you should be doing, it can be easy to confuse deadlines. That’s why you should not only keep track of deadlines with your planner or a calendar app, but also organize scholarships in separate folders by name and deadline. In the folder, you can keep all of the components of the scholarship application that you may be working on, like the form, essay and transcript.
4. Check once, check twice and keep track.
Before you submit your scholarship applications, check that you’ve answered every question, followed all instructions and made corrections to all typos and mistakes. If you’re reusing components from another application, make sure you’ve updated anything on the application that may refer to another scholarship or foundation. When sending your application via email, follow up within a week to ensure the scholarship committee received all pieces – or if sending by mail, make sure you purchase tracking and follow up to guarantee it has been delivered.
Check out the following seven “C’s” – ways you can increase your chances of obtaining sought-after scholarships.
1. Content
There’s plenty of content detailing directions of how to successfully apply for scholarships. Such content exists in resources like books, testimonials of scholarship winners and websites, like Fastweb. Utilize this information to create your own road map to gaining scholarship funds.
2. Commitment
Applying for scholarships is a numbers game. The more you apply to, the better your chances of winning. Unfortunately, it’s difficult at times to win a scholarship and not everyone is guaranteed to win one.
But people really do win scholarships, often through our site, and Fastweb’s Wall of Fame proves it.
Most of these winners will tell you that it’s vital that you never give up applying for scholarships – because then you’re guaranteed to never win one.
3. Communicate
Let others around you know that you’re looking for scholarship opportunities, as well as opportunities to gain experiences that scholarship providers will value.
Let your teachers, mentors and guidance counselors know so that they can provide letters of recommendation to include within your scholarship applications.
4. Causes
Take opportunities to volunteer for causes you’re passionate about. It looks great to scholarship providers and, if it’s a cause you’re really passionate about, you’ll also likely stick with it longer.
If you’re a student that cares about issues and are committed to making a difference in the world, scholarship providers are more likely to notice and value your contributions.
5. Create
If opportunities aren’t presenting themselves, create them. If you’re interested in something and your school doesn’t have a club for it already – create one. Taking initiative looks great and, if you’re passionate enough to create the opportunity, you will likely enjoy participating in it.
It also helps show scholarship providers that you’re willing to take on leadership roles when necessary.
6. Compliment
When it comes to scholarship applications, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn! Your achievements are something to be proud of and something providers should absolutely be aware of.
Remember, each achievement gives you an extra edge and will help distinguish you from the competition.
7. Curriculum
Try to balance out your curriculum by taking a mix of more and less challenging courses. Remember, a lot of scholarships do take your grade point average into consideration!
If you balance your courses, you’re much more likely to be able to maintain a higher GPA since your coursework will be manageable.