Applying for college scholarships can be time-consuming. There are usually many components such as essays, recommendation letters, and transcripts and often times little extras that the committees look for. While a scholarship application can be time-consuming, it can also be rewarding. There is nothing better than getting a phone call, e-mail or letter in the mail stating you’ve won money for college.
Make your application shine!
The key with any good scholarship application is allowing yours to shine. This is the same when applying for college, you want to be sure that you are making a lasting impact on all applications. So let your guard down, have a little bit of fun but more than anything show the committees who you are!
When you decide to start searching for college scholarships be sure you are applying to things that apply to you. Yes, there are scholarships out there for left-handers, so if you’re not left-handed, refrain from applying. Likewise, if you find a scholarship that fits you, be sure to note the application deadline and get the application in before the deadline.
When you find scholarships that apply to you, be sure that you are reading the scholarship application in its entirety! There is nothing worse than an application coming in that asks for your phone number and instead, a student writes in their e-mail address.
College applications take time and time should be given. Don’t rush through the application instead set aside time that is uninterrupted, that means no social media, and really focus on what the application is asking you.
No two applications are alike, so no two essays should be alike either! I know essays are probably the most time-consuming part of a scholarship application but often times they are the most important aspect too. So you want to be sure that your essay is authentic, original and personal.
If a scholarship application asks for an essay talking about financial education and you discuss your career plans that involve owning a pet shop, the scholarship committee isn’t going to give your application a second look.
Know and understand the topic of the essay, keep within the guidelines that are given to you as well. If the application is a max of 500 words, don’t write a 5-page paper. While you might have a lot to say, find a way to say it in the space allotted.
Editing is another big component. We all make grammatical errors, it happens but ask someone to proofread your essay and your application. Having spelling mistakes can change the intent of the essay as well as the application. So be sure you have a few people you trust, give your application a look over and help to ensure you are on track to stand out and make an impression.
When it comes to recommendation letters the same rules as essay apply, no two recommendation letters are alike. We understand the teachers are busy, but when you ask a teacher for a letter, be sure to re-read that letter. Make sure the teacher uses your right name as well as gives details about who you are! Also, make sure the recommendations are recent and not from 7 years ago. While those are nice to add in as extras your main recommendation letters should be from the current school year.
But more than anything, BE YOU! When you write your essay let your voice shine through. We want to be able to picture a person writing this essay not a computer just typing the words. We want to be able to connect with the person writing the letter and understand who they are as if they are sitting with us and speaking to us.
There are many college scholarship applications available, you just have to look and you have to ask. Speak to your high school guidance counselor and even contact the college you’re going to attend. Their financial aid department can help you out with scholarships applications.