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how do you get a scholarship ?
how do you get a scholarship ?
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I applied for scholarships through the college foundation of the institution that I attended.
There were a large variety to choose from, and several applied to me and my major.
This might be a good option for you to consider.
There were a large variety to choose from, and several applied to me and my major.
This might be a good option for you to consider.
Updated
Jen’s Answer
Hi Tacari!
You can look for scholarships in a few different ways:
1. Community-based scholarships in your local city or town
2. College-based scholarships based on whichever college you decide to go to.
For either scholarship, it's important to strive for the following:
1. Great academics! How is your GPA? Are you focusing on your grades? Are you working as hard as you can?
2. Community and extracurricular involvement! Are you involved in any food banks or community work? A big-sister big-brother organization? Are you in sports or after-school programs like DECA or debate?
3. Great SAT or ACT scores! Are you studying for these tests? If you can afford to, try a prep class and also try to take the test as early as possible so you can try try again.
Hope this helps!
Jen
You can look for scholarships in a few different ways:
1. Community-based scholarships in your local city or town
2. College-based scholarships based on whichever college you decide to go to.
For either scholarship, it's important to strive for the following:
1. Great academics! How is your GPA? Are you focusing on your grades? Are you working as hard as you can?
2. Community and extracurricular involvement! Are you involved in any food banks or community work? A big-sister big-brother organization? Are you in sports or after-school programs like DECA or debate?
3. Great SAT or ACT scores! Are you studying for these tests? If you can afford to, try a prep class and also try to take the test as early as possible so you can try try again.
Hope this helps!
Jen
Updated
Magdalena’s Answer
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you increase your chances of securing a scholarship:
Start Early: Begin your scholarship search well before your application deadlines. Some scholarships have early deadlines, so it's important to give yourself enough time.
Research: Look for scholarships that match your interests, skills, background, and future goals. Consider local organizations, community groups, foundations, colleges/universities, and online scholarship databases. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and your school's counseling office are good places to start.
Create a List: Keep track of the scholarships you're interested in, including their deadlines, requirements, and application materials.
Check Eligibility: Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. Make sure you meet the requirements before investing time in the application.
Gather Documentation: Many scholarships require transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, resumes, or other documents. Prepare these materials well in advance.
Write Strong Essays: Many scholarships require personal statements or essays. Craft compelling essays that showcase your achievements, goals, and why you're a deserving candidate. Tailor each essay to the specific scholarship.
Request Recommendations: Approach teachers, mentors, or employers for recommendation letters well ahead of time. Provide them with relevant information about the scholarship and your accomplishments.
Fill Out Applications: Complete all application forms accurately and neatly. Pay attention to instructions and ensure you provide all required information.
Proofread: Double-check your application for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
Submit on Time: Be mindful of deadlines and submit your applications before the due dates. Late submissions are often not considered.
Apply Widely: Don't limit yourself to only a few scholarships. Apply to as many relevant scholarships as you can to increase your chances of success.
Local Scholarships: Explore opportunities within your community, such as scholarships offered by local businesses, organizations, or community groups. These might have fewer applicants and higher chances of winning.
Niche Scholarships: Look for scholarships that cater to your specific interests, skills, heritage, or intended major. Niche scholarships often have fewer applicants and are tailored to specific criteria.
Financial Aid Office: If you're planning to attend college, connect with your college's financial aid office. They can guide you toward available scholarships, both institutional and external.
Stay Organized: Keep track of your scholarship applications, deadlines, and outcomes. This prevents confusion and helps you follow up if needed.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to the application guidelines closely. Missing a required document or step could disqualify you.
Be Persistent: Scholarship hunting can be competitive and challenging. Don't be discouraged by rejections. Keep applying to new opportunities.
Interview Preparation: Some scholarships might require an interview. Prepare by practicing your responses to common interview questions and researching the scholarship organization.
Express Gratitude: If you receive a scholarship, send a thank-you note to the scholarship provider. This demonstrates professionalism and appreciation.
Start Early: Begin your scholarship search well before your application deadlines. Some scholarships have early deadlines, so it's important to give yourself enough time.
Research: Look for scholarships that match your interests, skills, background, and future goals. Consider local organizations, community groups, foundations, colleges/universities, and online scholarship databases. Websites like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and your school's counseling office are good places to start.
Create a List: Keep track of the scholarships you're interested in, including their deadlines, requirements, and application materials.
Check Eligibility: Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. Make sure you meet the requirements before investing time in the application.
Gather Documentation: Many scholarships require transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, resumes, or other documents. Prepare these materials well in advance.
Write Strong Essays: Many scholarships require personal statements or essays. Craft compelling essays that showcase your achievements, goals, and why you're a deserving candidate. Tailor each essay to the specific scholarship.
Request Recommendations: Approach teachers, mentors, or employers for recommendation letters well ahead of time. Provide them with relevant information about the scholarship and your accomplishments.
Fill Out Applications: Complete all application forms accurately and neatly. Pay attention to instructions and ensure you provide all required information.
Proofread: Double-check your application for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
Submit on Time: Be mindful of deadlines and submit your applications before the due dates. Late submissions are often not considered.
Apply Widely: Don't limit yourself to only a few scholarships. Apply to as many relevant scholarships as you can to increase your chances of success.
Local Scholarships: Explore opportunities within your community, such as scholarships offered by local businesses, organizations, or community groups. These might have fewer applicants and higher chances of winning.
Niche Scholarships: Look for scholarships that cater to your specific interests, skills, heritage, or intended major. Niche scholarships often have fewer applicants and are tailored to specific criteria.
Financial Aid Office: If you're planning to attend college, connect with your college's financial aid office. They can guide you toward available scholarships, both institutional and external.
Stay Organized: Keep track of your scholarship applications, deadlines, and outcomes. This prevents confusion and helps you follow up if needed.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to the application guidelines closely. Missing a required document or step could disqualify you.
Be Persistent: Scholarship hunting can be competitive and challenging. Don't be discouraged by rejections. Keep applying to new opportunities.
Interview Preparation: Some scholarships might require an interview. Prepare by practicing your responses to common interview questions and researching the scholarship organization.
Express Gratitude: If you receive a scholarship, send a thank-you note to the scholarship provider. This demonstrates professionalism and appreciation.