Scholarship tips for success

To improve your chances of winning scholarships, you should start early, be organized, and carefully tailor each application to stand out from the competition. 

Preparation and planning

• Start early and get organized. Don't wait until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to research opportunities, request letters of recommendation, and write thoughtful essays. Create a spreadsheet to track deadlines, requirements, and the status of each application.
• Compile your "brag sheet." Gather all of your key information in one place so it's easy to access for any application. This includes your GPA, transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT), a list of academic achievements and awards, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, volunteer experience, and work history.
• Don't ignore small awards. While it's tempting to focus only on big, high-value scholarships, smaller local awards often have much less competition. Winning several small scholarships can add up to a significant amount.
• Complete the FAFSA. Many scholarships, and even some schools, require that you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing it as early as possible will ensure you meet all potential requirements. 

Finding the right scholarships

• Look beyond national search engines. While websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com are valuable, don't overlook other sources. Check with your high school guidance counselor, your parents' employers, local community organizations, and your intended college's specific departments.
• Search for niche scholarships. Think creatively about what makes you unique. Are you left-handed, a twin, or interested in a specific hobby? Search for scholarships based on your unique interests, heritage, or background to find less competitive awards.
• Vet scholarship providers. Do your research on the organization or company offering the scholarship. It will help you avoid scams and allow you to tailor your application to their specific goals and values. 

Submitting a application

• Tailor your application. Don't just copy and paste information. Customize your essays and answers to address the specific goals and values of the organization offering the scholarship.
• Request recommendations thoughtfully. Ask for letters of recommendation well in advance (at least two weeks) from teachers, mentors, or counselors who know you well. To help them, provide a list of your accomplishments, the scholarship's requirements, and the deadline.
• Write a compelling and specific essay. Use your essay to showcase your unique story, passions, and how your experiences have shaped you. Avoid generic statements. Instead, use concrete, specific examples of your achievements and challenges to reveal your character.
• Present a professional online image. Scholarship committees may search for you online. Make sure your social media accounts are clean and that you have a professional-sounding email address. Consider creating a professional profile on LinkedIn.
• Proofread everything. Typos and grammatical errors are instant application killers. Have multiple people read through your application materials for a final check before submitting.