Steps to Getting a Scholarship

Steps to getting a scholarship

START EARLY

n If possible, start the process at least two years before you need the aid.

n Always remember that you will be applying for scholarships about a year before you will actually receive the aid.

n Get good grades. They will only help you and put you above the next applicant.

PREPARE YOURSELF

n Often scholarships are awarded to students who are involved in activities both in school and out. Well-rounded students have the best chance of receiving scholarships.

n Many clubs and organizations give scholarships to members and the children or other relatives of members. Doing your research in the beginning may help you obtain more scholarships.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

n Figure out what makes you a special individual. This may include such things as academics, volunteer work, athletics or your family back­ground.

n Consider unique circumstances or conditions that might make you eligible for aid such as being a foster child, having asthma, being a single parent or having a disability.

n Scholarship opportunities can be found in many places including financial aid offices, libraries, local civic organizations, your or your parents’ employer, local businesses, your high school guidance office, the Internet or Student Outreach Services (call 1-800-337-6884).

SEND AWAY FOR

INFORMATION AND

APPLICATIONS

n After you collect all the infor­mation about the scholarships in which you interested, you will need to contact the organization.

n Many organizations will require that you contact them through the mail to request applications and other pertinent information. Some organizations will give potential applicants their phone numbers and e-mail addresses to expedite the request for information.

n Give the organization ample time to send you the necessary paperwork. Be aware of all dead­lines associated with applying.

APPLY

n Once you receive the applica­tion and understand all of the infor­mation you are expected to send to the organization, you wll need to apply for the scholarship.

n Many organizations require information such as a completed application, an essay, recommenda­tions and/or a resume from each applicant. Make sure you have given yourself plenty of time to gather all of the required information.

n Most scholarships have dead­lines for applying. You may want to keep a calendar with all of the deadlines listed so that you do not let any expire.

n Before you send in your com­pleted application, make sure to double-check the spelling and grammar. Nothing looks worse on a scholarship application than a com­mon spelling error.

n Remember that the application process takes time, and it could be months before you are notified of any awards. Be aware that some organizations will not send any fol­low-up correspondence if you do not receive the award.

n Always put your best effort into each application. Be neat and orga­nized — first impressions count!

Information provided by edamer­ica.

Sample letter will help guide your hand

Many colleges and universities now have Web sites where you can request admissions information. If you do not have Internet access or the school you are interested in is not on the Web, this sample letter can help you in request­ing more information.

Provided by edamerica.

(Name of Admission Officer)

Office of Admissions

Name of College

College Address

Dear Mr. Name:

I am interested in your institution and would greatly appreciate you sending me the following materials:

— A catalog.

— An application form.

— Financial aid information.

— Athletic scholarship information.

— A viewbook.

My personal profile, below, will give you a general picture of my academic and extracurricular activities.

Address

Social Security Number, High School ,High School Counselor

Graduation Date, Test Scores, Class Rank, Grade Point Average, Advanced Placement Courses

Extracurricular Activities, Academic Interests, Comments

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely yours,

Your Signature