Winning the Scholarship Race
Obtaining a scholarship to help cover the costs of your higher education, while time consuming and often demanding can be one of the most rewarding endeavors you will undertake as you prepare to enter college. It is not enough to just find a scholarship that you are eligible for. That is only the beginning. And, let’s face it, it isn’t finding a scholarship that counts. It is winning it. While there is no way to be certain that you will win the award you are after, there are a few steps and precautions you can take to help your odds.
1. Know Your Deadlines!
While this may seem to be an obvious tip, a high percentage of scholarship applicants are not even considered for the scholarship they are applying to because their application is received after the submission deadline. Unless there are extreme circumstances—and sometimes even when there are—scholarship committees hardly ever consider a late application. Always remember that most scholarships have hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants; applicants that are making sure they adhere to deadlines. In a sense, applying for scholarships is a competition and the last thing you want is to be late right out if the gate. So, write your deadlines down and make sure you mail your application at least two weeks prior to the deadline. This goes for online applications that have hard copy submission requirements. Two weeks prior. No exceptions. This will give you time to submit another copy if the original is lost in the mail.
2. Be Your Own Spokesperson!
As mentioned above, there are tons of applicants for each scholarship available. Because of this fact, you must be extremely proactive in the application process. This means calling and asking for applications, and calling back if these applications haven’t arrived in a timely manner. This also means you must ask questions if you are confused about any aspect of the application. Additionally, a scholarship application is not the place to be modest. This does not mean you have to go overboard in telling the committee how great you are in essays and answers to questions. It does mean, however, that you need to provide in-depth and honest answers to all questions asked. If you have overcome some large personal obstacle, such as an illness or poverty, make sure you mention it. This is not exploiting your personal circumstances, as some scholarship applicants mistakenly believe; it is an important aspect of yourself, the applicant. Similarly, if you are a math genius, a soccer star, or an amazing painter make sure the scholarship committee is aware of that. If you have a hard time with self-promotion as most do, ask a reliable source such as a teacher or long term friend their opinion. Often it is easier to believe of ourselves what others observe. The key is to acknowledge your particular assets and gifts without coming across as arrogant. You’re out to win a contest, so don’t shoot yourself in the proverbial foot by being overly modest!
3. Don’t Give Up!
Remember the mantra of “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again,” and repeat it to yourself often during the application process for scholarships. This means that you remain unrelenting in your application process: calling for an application as many times as it takes for you to get one mailed, checking that your application has been received, checking that your application has been reviewed, etc. This also means that you do not give up your scholarship search if you do not get the first one you apply to. The chances of anyone receiving every scholarship they apply to is close to none. Therefore, do not allow yourself to become discouraged if you are not chosen for a particular award. This doesn’t mean that you are not going to get a scholarship; it just means you are not going to receive that particular one. This is why it is important to apply for many scholarships, not just one. The more scholarships you apply to, the more likely you are to receive an award. Don’t become discouraged by one rejection! Keep applying!
4. Create a System!
Putting a system in place for your scholarship applications will make the actual process much easier. While there are a variety of systems that work for people the following is one that many have found the most useful.
- Designate a drawer in your desk (or a crate if you don’t have a drawer) for scholarship applications.
- Create a file folder for each scholarship application. These should be labeled clearly with the name of the scholarship and the date it is due AT THE TOP OF THE FOLDER for easy viewing.
- Each folder should have the following:
- At least one (1) copy of the blank application and one (1) of the completed application;
- A copy of the letters of recommendation (if applicable);
- The important contact information for each scholarship; and
- A copy of the essay portion
Utilizing this system will not only ensure you have a back-up to your entire application, it will also make applying for subsequent scholarships easier, as you will have all the pertinent information at your fingertips.
5. Keep your Chin Up!
Stay positive throughout this process and remind yourself that you can in a scholarship. Positive thinking is a strong tool and will help keep you energized and productive throughout this process.
Remember, applying for a scholarship is similar to running a race. While you can’t see your competitors, they are out there, so make sure you have prepared yourself well so that you are truly a contender. With a little organization and diligence, you too can be the recipient of a scholarship!