Scholarships How To
How to Get Scholarships Follow this tips to increase your chances for getting worldwide scholarhips : Know the Scholarship Provider Knowing who created the scholarship can help you understand the people who will be reviewing your application. It might also help you think of ideas for your essay or topics to introduce during an interview. For example, if the scholarship you are applying for is offered by the Society of Women Engineers, know a little something about women engineers and what problems they face. If it is an AFL-CIO scholarship you’re after, brush up on your history of unionism in the United States; know what role the AFL-CIO has played over the years. Show Interest in The Organization Tailor your application to show that you are interested in the organization. The CollegeEdge “Mail” Tool can help you create customized letters to send to scholarship organizations. Know What Their Organization Does If you are applying for a 4-H scholarship, be aware of what that group does. In an essay for 4-H, you would not want to discuss Victorian literature just as you wouldn’t want to tell NASA about your prize-winning pig. Know Something About Their History If the scholarship fund was created by an individual, learn about that person’s life and accomplishments. Just remember, it is always a good idea to know as much as possible about who is offering the scholarship. It shows that you are responsible, intelligent, and motivated. Know About Past Recipients If at all possible, contact students who have won the scholarship in the past. Each scholarship foundation will usually have a list of past winners. Compare yourself and your goals to their profile. Use past winners as an inspiration. Find out how they presented themselves to the scholarship committee and what they did with the scholarship money (did they agree to pursue a certain course of study or go into a certain field after graduation?). The advice of past winners will surely help you refine your approach in applying for the scholarship. Know who is on the committee Instead of merely completing a scholarship application and sending it in, contact the chairperson of the scholarship committee prior to beginning the process,if possible, get an interview Find out who sits on the committee and what their backgrounds are so that in filling out your application or attending an interview, you can appeal to their individual sensibilities. Ask the chairperson about the best way to apply for the award. Not only does this put your name in the mind of the committee, but it shows that you are highly motivated. Prepare for The Interview If you are required to attend a scholarship interview, keep in mind the following tips:
- Dress conservatively. This means coat and tie for men, skirt and blouse or dress for women.
- Arrive early. You don’t want to seem hurried, disoriented or disheveled when you *Enter an interview.
- Brush up on current events
- Read the newspaper the week of an interview. It might also be a good idea to read current and back issues of national news magazines like Time or Newsweek. Regardless of the type of scholarship, the committee will usually want to see that an applicant has a general knowledge of what is going on in the world around them.
- Be organized. Stay on top of deadlines, gather all pertinent documents, and make copies of everything you submit. It is a good idea to send your applications by certified mail to ensure receipt.
- Be honest. Don’t exaggerate your grades, memberships, skills, or qualifications. It is better to focus on the scholarships for which you might be eligible.
- Follow instructions carefully. Some scholarships require you to write an essay; others may want letters of recommendation. Send in what is requested and proofread everything. Typos and missing materials can cost you a scholarship.
- Proofread your application: Review everything. Typos are a sure way not to be considered for a scholarship. Consider asking a parent, teacher, or friend to read your application.
- Keep copies of everything you send: If your application is misplaced, having copies will make it easier to resend your information quickly.
- Send your application packet by registered mail: Many sources offering scholarships will not confirm receipt of your application. Consider sending your application via USPS registered mail so you know your materials arrived safely.
