By Earl A. Shoemaker
Student Support Services
and Bonnie Isaacson
Nontraditional Student Services
UW-Eau Claire
Many students have questions regarding applying for scholarships. This guide sheet will relay some tips to help take the stress out of applying for scholarships and will help you develop a package of information that you typically need for several scholarship applications. Once you have your "scholarship resume" developed, you will not need to "reinvent the wheel" each time you apply and you will be able to apply for more scholarships because it will be simpler for you. Remember, there is a certain numbers game involved—the more you apply for, the more you are likely to receive.
There are several basic questions that you need to be prepared to answer on your application.
- Who are you?
- What are your goals?
- Why should the awarding organization give you any money? Basically, are you a good investment?
Who are you?
- Name
- Year in School
- Address
- Telephone number
- Major/minor
- Grade Point Average (total, resident, major/minor)
Relevant course work, perhaps outside of major/minor; could be related ("Ethics and Business," foreign language, etc.)
What are your goals?
Education/Career Objective
Why/How did you choose the program you are in? What are your goals?
- Relevant Employment experience
- Special skills that support your goals (computer software, languages, machinery)
- Volunteer experience?
- Personal or family experience?
Why should you be selected to receive their money?
Address any topics that will show the scholarship committee and donor that you are a committed and successful student.
- Community/University Service: e.g. mentoring, tutoring, Special Olympics, Service-Learning Project
- Other extracurricular involvement: sports; student organizations; volunteer time; and leadership positions are particularly important
- Notable Accomplishments: faculty-student research project, certifications (from CNA to CPR and any others)
- Honors: Recognition such as other scholarships, Honors Program, departmental honors, advancements at work; awards received
Your Personal statement
What sets you apart from others? Do not neglect to mention if you are a non-traditional student, a veteran, first-generation college student, low-income, or if you have disability issues, or family obligations (such as a child/family/parents to care for). What about the impact of the death of a loved one or a divorce in the family?
Don't underestimate importance of hours you are working (and more than one job).
Do you have interests that might be of significance for the scholarship you are seeking? Examples could include your hometown, county or state; hobbies; experiences such as foreign or domestic travel.
Do you have high financial need? Be specific—study abroad, computer, course costs (art supplies, software, musical instrument), car repairs, child-care cost, reduced hours of employment, care for family member, commuting from distant city.
A critical point to bear in mind as you write your essay is to be truthful and sincere. Be factual, but not too humble and avoid sounding "whiney". Ask someone whose opinion and expertise you value to review your scholarship resume and application.
Apply for any and all scholarships you are eligible for, but do not submit applications where you do not meet the criteria. Include all requested materials and submit your application by the deadline date!
Finally, realize that not all of this information will be required or even desired on every application you submit. Remember to save your document and keep it on disk. Tailor each application by carefully reading the criteria and revising your saved materials.
Keep in mind the attached "Top Ten Tips for Winning Scholarship Applications".
GOOD LUCK!!
Top Ten Tips for Winning Scholarship Applications
Ever wonder what the folks who award the scholarships want to see? Fast Web has polled scholarship providers across the country, asking for their tips on applying for scholarships.
Tip #1: Apply only if you are eligible.
Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully and make sure that you are eligible before you send in your application. Your application won't make one bit of difference if you aren't qualified to apply.
TIP #2: Complete the application in full.
Be sure to complete the entire application. If a question doesn't apply, note that on the application. Don't just leave it blank.
TIP #3: Follow directions.
Provide everything that is required. But don't supply things that aren't requested &emdash; you could be disqualified.
TIP #4: Neatness counts.
Make a couple of photocopies of all the forms you receive. Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet. And always type the application, or if you must print, do so neatly and legibly.
TIP #5: Make sure your essay makes an impression.
The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your experiences come alive: the 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' and 'when' of your topic. The simplest experience can be monumental if you present honestly how you were effected.
TIP #6: Watch all deadlines.
To help keep yourself on track, impose a deadline for yourself that is at least two weeks prior to the stated deadline. Use this 'buffer time' to proofread your application before you send it off.
If worse comes to worse, call the scholarship provider in advance and ask if it's possible to receive an extension. Don't just send the materials in late; the committee may refuse late applications. But don't rely on extensions &emdash; very few scholarship providers allow them at all.
TIP #7: Take steps to make sure your application gets where it needs to go.
Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet and keep it on file. If your application goes astray, you can always reproduce it quickly. Make sure your name (and social security number, if applicable) appears on all pages of the application. Pieces of your application may get lost unless they are clearly identified.
TIP #8: Give it a final 'once-over.'
Proofread the entire application carefully. Be on the lookout for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Ask a friend, teacher or parent to proofread it as well.
TIP #9: Ask for help if you need it.
If you have problems with the application, do not hesitate to call the funding organization.
TIP #10: Remember &emdash; your scholarship application represents you!
Your ability to submit a neat, timely, complete application reflects on you. It's your face to this organization. Take pride in yourself by submitting the best application you can.
Source: http://www.usd384.k12.ks.us/counselor/sch._writing_tips.html<?xml:namespace
