How To Win College Scholarships

Particularly for competitive scholarships, the scholarship essay is of utmost importance. It can help your application shine and really give you a chance to demonstrate why you deserve this award. There are a number of different guides to help you start writing, but here are some of the most important tips to remember:

• Start early. Don’t let this wait until the last minute. Scholarship selection committees read thousands of essays. Don’t doubt their ability to pick out the one that was written 30 minutes before the deadline.
• Read the question twice. Thoroughly read the essay question and make sure you understand it.
• Do a little research. Read examples of other successful scholarship essays to learn more about the format and how to execute it well. You may also want to seek out templates to help you craft a solid outline.
• Brainstorm. Write down a list of things that make you unique, and jot down some reasons you’re qualified for this award. Also, brainstorm some things you’d like to say about the essay topic at hand.
• Write a first draft. This doesn’t have to be anywhere near perfect; the most important thing is to get it done with plenty of time to edit. A few days later, re-read your essay to make sure you’ve answered the question. If you haven’t, add whatever’s missing.
• Share your draft. Have a trusted friend, parent, or mentor read your first or second draft. Remember: The most time-consuming part of the writing process is rewriting. Listen to feedback and address it. If something about your essay isn’t working, don’t be afraid to go back to the drawing board.

5. Test your interview abilities

As part of the application process for more competitive scholarships, you may be asked to schedule an interview. Even if you haven’t been asked to do so, it’s never a terrible thing to plan ahead of time. Find a list of common scholarship interview questions online and plan your responses. When you believe you have a decent answer, write it down. They don’t have to be perfect, but knowing what you want to say will help you perform well under pressure. When you’re ready, have a trusted friend or teacher conduct a practice interview with you.

6. Check your application for errors

So you’ve gathered all of your documents, written an outstanding essay, and gathered your letters of recommendation. You’re undoubtedly eager to hit the submit button. However, take a step back. Check each of your documents (including your address and contact information) to ensure that everything is proper. Look for errors and anything else that can lead a selection committee to reconsider.

7. Deliver on time — preferably early.

Refer to your schedule as you work on your college applications and scholarship essays to guarantee you’re on track to submit your applications on time. Even better, submit your applications as soon as possible. Many scholarship programs keep track of submission deadlines. Completing your application as soon as possible is another way to convey your enthusiasm for a certain award and make your application stand out.

Early submission is also an excellent way to ensure that you don’t run out of time to complete any component of your application. Nothing is worse than getting to the deadline and realizing you neglected to submit an essay. Avoid this tension by applying with a few days or weeks to spare.

8. Search for awards specific to you

In the beginning, you’ll likely add a lot of general scholarship opportunities to your list. However, it’s also important to seek out awards where you might have an edge. There are many types of scholarships, including programs for artistic students, student-athlete scholarships, awards for those pursuing specific majors, and even some super-niche scholarships. Think through your unique interests, then search for awards to match.

9. Reach out to your chosen colleges

If you’re a student in your senior year of high school and already know the university you want to attend, consult the college financial aid office. Most universities offer their specific scholarships, and you can add those to your list, too. If you’re still working on your college applications and/or don’t have a particular school in mind, reach out to your high school guidance counselor. They might know about some great scholarship opportunities you haven’t thought of.

10. Prioritize your scholarship list

Once you’ve built your long list of scholarship opportunities, it’s time to create a game plan. First, organize your list into different categories. It might make sense to categorize them based on dollar amount, how likely you think you are to win, or the amount of time it’ll take you to complete the application. Many large national scholarships carry large prizes but also garner thousands of applications, making them more competitive. While local scholarships typically aren’t as lucrative, you could have a greater chance of winning. Don’t neglect either category. Make a list of your top ten awards and include some of each.

11. Create a deadline calendar

Missing a deadline is the easiest way to take yourself out of the running for a scholarship. Create a specific calendar, either on paper or on your computer. Then, record the due dates for each award on your top-ten list. Put your calendar on your bulletin board or save it to your desktop—any place where you’ll see it often. Also, include some self-assigned deadlines. For example, you might aim to submit your letter-of-recommendation requests a month before the relevant scholarship’s due date and have your essay’s first draft completed two weeks before the final deadline. All these mile markers should be clearly labeled on your calendar.

12. Apply to easy scholarships first

If none of your deadlines are urgent, then the first awards on your to-do list should be the easy ones. These are the scholarship programs that don’t require too many specific documents, essays, or letters of recommendation. (There are even several free scholarships that are sweepstakes-style, which means all you need to do is sign up to apply.) If you get these easy applications out of the way first, you’ll have less on your to-do list and more energy to focus on the more extensive applications.

How to remain Prepared While Applying for College Scholarships

Keeping track of all of the fantastic scholarship offers you come across can be difficult. As a result, I strongly advise you to keep an organized spreadsheet with the following information for each scholarship:

• Name of scholarship

• Scholarship website

• Application due date (and if submitting via regular mail, specify whether it needs to be postmarked or received by the due date)

• Eligibility requirements, such as:

  • Grade in school

  • Race/ethnicity

  • Citizenship

  • Disability status

  • Extracurricular activity participation

• Application requirements, such as:

  • Transcripts

  • Test scores

  • Résumé or CV

  • Cover letters (including name and address of recipient)

  • Essays (including the number of essays, essay prompts, and word or character count)

  • Recommendation letters, including:

    • The number of letters

    • Types of letters (e.g., from a teacher or from a coach)

    • How letters should be sent (e.g. uploaded to online application vs. mailed, mailed directly by recommender vs. included in larger application envelope)

  • Additional materials (e.g., art portfolio, athletic highlight reel)

  • Interviews

• Submission method and instructions (i.e. regular mail vs. email, name and address of recipient)

Conclusion

Winning college scholarships is not merely a stroke of luck; it’s a strategic and well-informed pursuit. By understanding the details of the application process, aligning your strengths with scholarship criteria, and showcasing your unique story, you elevate your chances of standing out among applicants.

Persistence, dedication, and meticulous preparation are the cornerstones of scholarship success. As you navigate this journey, remember that each application is an opportunity to express your aspirations, achievements, and potential. With the right approach, you can turn your academic dreams into reality and embark on a transformative college experience.

FAQs

1. What types of scholarships are available for college students?

Scholarships come in various forms, including merit-based, need-based, athletic, and specialized scholarships based on academic majors, talents, or affiliations.

2. When should I start applying for college scholarships?

Begin your scholarship search as early as your high school years and continue throughout college. Some scholarships are open to students of all levels, while others are specific to certain academic years.

3. How do I find suitable scholarships to apply for?

Utilize scholarship search engines, consult your school’s financial aid office, explore community organizations, and inquire about scholarships offered by the colleges you’re interested in attending.