Catch that Scholarship: Eight Ways to Win

By Kassandra West on April 4, 2012

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The fear of college expenses and the reality of total independence are driving students to new extremes. Students run each other down in the race to the counselor’s office, where they critically compare GPAs, and scoff at the other’s class rank, only to nervously ask each other for essay advice minutes later.  This is the insistent rivalry that incoming college freshmen are dealing with in their final months as high school seniors. But don’t fret! There are a few tips to stay ahead of the game.

  1. Make community scholarships a priority. The number of applicants is restricted to one location, so there is less competition. Simple gestures, such as a crisp paper and neat handwriting make a difference to the community leaders reviewing the applications.  Don’t let small monetary amounts be discouraging- several small scholarships add up fast.
  2. A well-crafted essay wins the money. Even if the subject is generic or vague, take the time to make the most of every word. Answer questions like: What makes you different? Why do you deserve this scholarship?  Unless the answer is convincing, the application is just another in a stack of generic papers.
  3. If no application is sent in, then no money will be received. This idea is so simple, yet many students don’t fill out an application because they feel as if their chances are slim. The probability of earning money is 0% if the paper stays sitting on the kitchen table.
  4. If an organization or person is taking their time and money to help others, then common courtesy should be shown by keeping the application error-free, and neat. Your paper shouldn’t look like you found the application in your dryer, used it to wipe your mouth after lunch, and then scribbled some nonsense down the day before it’s due.
  5. Be nice. If there is a scholarship that doesn’t apply to you, but Sam has all of the requirements, let him know. Oftentimes, he’ll return the favor, and all of a sudden, scholarship prospects have doubled.
  6. Give plenty of time for recommendation letters to be written. It is not only disrespectful of others’ time and energy, but the quality of the letter will be jeopardized, especially if the person writing the recommendation letter is irritated.
  7.   Write down all of the scholarships that are available next year. If the deadline has already passed, then remember that there will be a second chance in the future.
  8. When all of these steps have been followed, and scholarships are pouring in, remember to send thank you cards. Not only is it the polite thing to do, it shows good character which will be remembered for next year when the process begins all over again.

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