When applying to scholarships, prioritize so that you apply to contests that you are qualified for, can meet the deadlines for and have a chance at winning.
byRichard Vonk, president of Key Education Resources groupQ: There are so many scholarships out there. How do I know which ones to apply for? Should I only apply for the big money ones?
A: There are literally thousands of scholarships available for students. And the good news is, they are no longer only for the highest achievers. Many are based on merit defined solely by the sponsoring organization.
Selecting the scholarships that are right for you starts with an understanding of what scholarships you qualify for. This begins with research. In addition to consulting with your school guidance counselors and the financial aid departments at prospective schools, there are a number of online scholarships to search.
Once you get a sense of what scholarships are available, be strategic in which ones you apply for. Prioritize. What is the difficulty of preparation versus the potential award amount? What is the deadline?
Review and understand the criteria for each scholarship, and adhere to it. It’s surprising how many students apply for scholarships for which they are not qualified.
To increase your chances of qualifying, get involved in community service and extracurricular activities. Also be prepared to sharpen your writing skills, as essays are often required.
Here are some tips on writing a winning essay:
Always answer the question. Make sure you’re specifically answering the question in the application.
Tell a story. Give the reader a hook. Demonstrate wit and humor, or share something personal and touching. The reader is looking for an essay that tells a unique story and will stick with them as they read through the essays in their pile.
Get feedback. Before sealing the envelope and mailing your application, ask your parents, teachers or mentors to review your essay for structure, grammar and spelling.