Tips for Winning Scholarship Application!

1. Apply only if you are eligible.  Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully.  Make sure you are eligible before you send in your application.

2. Complete the application in full.  If a question does not apply to you, note that on the application.  Do not leave a question blank.  Be sure to supply all additional supporting materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, educational resume, and essay.

3. Follow directions.  Provide everything that is required.  However do not supply things that are not requested you could be disqualified.

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.

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.  Present your essay to a couple of English teachers for editing.

6. Watch all deadlines.  To help keep yourself on track, impose your own deadlines that are at least two weeks prior to the official deadline.  Use the buffer time to make sure everything is ready on time.  DO NOT rely on extensions very few scholarships providers allow them.

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

8. Keep a back up file in case anything goes wrong.  Before sending in the application, make a copy of the entire packet.  IF your application gets lost, or mist located, you will be able to reproduce it quickly.

9. Give it a final look over, proofread the ENTIRE application carefully.  Ask a friend, teacher, or parent to proofread it as well.

10. Ask for help if needed.  If you have problems with the application do not hesitate to call the funding organization.

11. It is also important to make sure your letters of recommendation are addressed to the organization whose scholarship you are applying for and that they are current.