Looking for ways on how to get a scholarship for college? Fact: Each year, The US Department of Education and the nation’s universities and colleges award $46 Billion in grants and scholarship money. Also, about $3.3 Billion in gift aids is awarded by private individuals and different organizations to deserving applicants.
Want your share of those scholarship aids? Read on to find out about the winning strategies on how to get college scholarships.
1. Get organized and start early. By the fall of your senior year, you should already be working on your scholarship applications.
• Begin by doing a search online for available scholarships. Sign up for websites that keep watch on these scholarships and their deadlines so you’d have a good idea of your prospects.
• Get all the materials you will need to apply for scholarships like your transcript, financial information, scholarship forms and other documents.
2. Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Even if the amount seems small, they do add up to help pay for something.
• There is no limit to how many scholarships you can apply to, and you should apply for as many as possible because you’ll have better chances of winning. Even the smallest award can help pay for your books.
3. Follow instructions. Do not get your application rejected because you were too distracted to follow the rules.
• Read application instructions thoroughly. Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes. When filling out applications, if something doesn’t apply to you, do not leave it blank. Write “Does not apply” so you won’t have blank spaces. Follow directions carefully!
4. Write the essay. Don’t pass up on a great scholarship just because you were too lazy to write the essay.
• Choose an essay topic that will allow you to be original and creative. Do not pick controversial or philosophical topics. Do not forget to highlight your strengths and relate your experiences. Mind the word count and keep rewriting until you get a good draft.
• No “one size fits all” essay, please. Each sponsor is unique, so make sure that the message you want to get across reflects their goals. Give specific examples whenever you can. Showcase your problem-solving abilities and be honest!
5.Tailor your application to your sponsor’s goals. Why is the organization sponsoring? What applicants are they looking for?
• Research about your sponsor’s organization. What is their mission and vision? Make sure to highlight your qualities to match what they are looking for. The closer you are to the applicant that they have in mind, the better your chances will be. Make sure that your application caters to their goals.
• If you’ve had previous volunteering experience or have participated in community events, make sure to highlight those when applying. Most scholarship providers are cause-oriented and they would want somebody who is committed to helping others.
6. Proofreading is important! Get somebody to review your application.
• Ask your family, peers and teachers to review your application for you. You’ll have better chances of winning that scholarship with a well-written application than a sloppy one.
7. Get great references. Ask a professor, a former boss or professional contact to vouch for your character by writing you a letter of recommendation. Remember to give them enough time to write!
• The best approach is to ask them in person nicely. If they live far away, then make that phone call. Provide all the information that they would need. Let them know why you want the scholarship and why you are the best applicant for it. Send them your resume for reference and highlight your qualities. Don’t forget to thank them for it.
8. Be professional. Sponsors want somebody who is serious about their advocacies and with leadership qualities.
• Provide a professional-sounding email address. It would be a good idea to review your Facebook account and remove inappropriate materials as well. You’ll never know when sponsors might look you up and find things that will harm your chances of getting that scholarship.
There are so many scholarships for college students out there that the only limitation is how many you choose to apply for. With determination plus these eight strategies, you’ll be winning those scholarships in no time. Don’t forget to apply early!
Crazyscholarships.org draws on their passion for education helping college student on how to strive for college life.
