7 Tips on How to Apply for Scholarships ...

1. Choose the Type of Scholarship

One of the first things you need to know for how to apply for scholarships is to choose the type of scholarship that you want to obtain: there are institutional scholarships and private scholarships. While the institutional scholarships are provided by a university or by a college for the students who attend their classes, private scholarships are provided through various associations and organizations that are not connected to any schools.

2. Know Where to Look

The next step you should take if you want to get a scholarship that will pay for your education is to know where to look. For example, you could ask your high school guidance counselor for a list of local scholarships or you could contact the financial aid office of the college you want to attend and they will give you more information on how you can obtain a scholarship. You can even search online for scholarship opportunities. And remember, it's important to fill out your FAFSA!

3. Determine the Type of Scholarship You Could Qualify for

If you want to apply for a scholarship, try to determine the type of scholarship that you might obtain. For example, you could search for scholarships based on academic merit or you could consider applying for an athletic scholarship. If you live in a low-income family, you could apply for need-based scholarships. If you want to be active in your community, you could look for service-based scholarships and also, consider the fact that certain associations offer scholarships to the children of their employees.

4. Review the Requirements Carefully

Once you have decided to apply for a certain scholarship, review the requirements carefully and verify that you meet the qualifications. A lot of scholarships require you to meet certain academic, athletic or financial criteria in order to apply. Understand the steps involved in that process and mind your deadlines.

5. Fill out the Application Form

If you meet the requirements of that scholarship you want, the next step you should take is to fill out the application form as accurately as possible. Most scholarships, at minimum, will want you to write down your full name, your contact information and a short summary of your extracurricular work and of your academic activities.

6. Write an Essay

Most scholarships require their applicants to write an essay and many of the questions that you should answer in it might be specific to the organization that provides the scholarship. Try to avoid overly-sentimental answers or answers that “kiss up” to the sponsor and also, try to avoid blatantly unrealistic answers.

7. Ask for Letters of Recommendation

Most scholarships will ask for both academic and character references. While the academic references should come from teachers or from school administrators, character references can come from pastors, employers or any other adult who is connected to a service-type activity that you perform.

When you apply for a scholarship, try to also include any additional information needed and then just note the waiting period and let the sponsor contact you. Have you ever applied for a scholarship? How did you do it? Do you know any other helpful tips on how to apply for scholarships? Do tell!

Sources:
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