1.  Scholarship requirements

Most scholarships have various requirements: ethnicity, citizenship, college enrollment or intended enrollment, social security number, participation in various activities, connection to stated affiliations, and many others.  Make sure that you meet all the requirements before applying. 

2.  Deadlines

All scholarships have DEADLINES. Be sure to check if the deadline is “postmarked” or “received by”. For instance if the deadline is postmarked by February 15, then your scholarship materials should be sent out by 4:30 p.m. on February 15.  If the date is received by February 15, then plan ahead and send out your scholarship materials at least five days before the deadline. 

3.  Recommenders

Many scholarships will ask for letters of recommendation.  The recommender can range from a professor, a community leader you have volunteered with or worked under, and other academic mentors (like your academic advisor or the director/coordinator of a campus office). These will be important people to ask for letters of recommendation when applying for scholarships.  You want to know your recommender well so they can speak positively on your behalf. 

4.  Essays

Some scholarships will ask you for an essay. Try to cater your essay to the specific scholarship and questions.  Have your College Coach or a friend proofread your essay. 

5.  GPA

Many scholarships will have GPA requirements, so check the requirement before you apply. Try to keep your GPA above a 2.7 so you can qualify for most scholarships. If you have a high GPA, definitely start applying and looking for merit scholarships.  If you are a freshman with less than a semester in college, use your high school GPA.

6.  The application

Some scholarship applications, especially the online applications, can seem simple and short, but you should still take the scholarship seriously.  With fewer factors to be reviewed on a scholarship application, every part of your application matters. 

7.  Add a pre-stamped post card

When sending in your application, it is a good idea to also add a pre-stamped postcard addressed to yourself.  Ask the scholarship foundation/provider to return the postcard to you when they have received your application.  Many scholarship foundations receive so many applications that they cannot respond to everyone via email or phone. 

8.  The College Team provides help with scholarships
Do you have questions? Do you need help finding scholarships?  Call your College Coach or come see us at an Admission Possible office.