Applying for Scholarships

Scholarships are monetary awards given to students on the basis of merit, financial need or a unique quality. Money awarded through scholarships does not have to be repaid by the student.

Where should you look for scholarships?

Check with:

The college you are planning on attending. Many college websites offer information about scholarships available to their students.
Your high school guidance counselor.
Employers (check with both yours and your parents')
Unions
Your Church
Banks
Places you volunteer
Local organizations or affiliations (4-H, Kiwanis, Lions Club)
Chamber of Commerce
Newspapers
Local Library- look for reference books on foundations and scholarships
Internet**

**While the internet is one of the best sources for scholarships, watch out for scholarship scams. You can see a list of scholarship scam warning signs here.

Once you have determined the scholarships that you are eligible for, you need to request applications. Many scholarship applications are available online or you can request them from the organization offering the award.

Important tips for completing scholarship applications:

Prioritize the scholarships by deadlines. You want to concentrate on the ones whose deadlines are the soonest. Scholarship deadlines usually fall between December and March prior to the academic year you are applying for.
Fill out applications completely, correctly and neatly. Applications that are messy, have spelling errors or incorrect information are often discarded.
When writing essays, take your time, make sure you address the questions being asked and take advantage of spell-check and grammar check.
Treat each scholarship individually. Although you may be able to reuse an essay, recommendation or reference, make sure they are appropriate for the application requirements. Do not reuse something simply to save time.
Ask your references well in advance if they will help you, especially if they need to write a letter of recommendation.
Be honest in your responses.
Do not pad your application with extra material. While this may make you stand out, sometimes it is not in a positive way. Most committees do not have time to review extra materials.
Turn in applications well in advance. Make sure that your materials were received before the deadline.

Safe Scholarship Websites: