If you’re lucky, your school may have a well-oiled scholarship program that offers you a scholarship and guides you through the whole process, provided you’re qualified.
However, most of us are in a different kind of system: if you want help, you have to ask for it. That’s often the case in college applications, and it’s starting to be the norm in high school and grade school scholarship programs as well.
The problem is that not many people know how to apply for scholarships, although many are well qualified. Knowing the process is only a small part of the picture. The bulk of it is about selling yourself, much like applying for a job. Start by doing your research: get to know as much about the institution as possible, note the programs you’re interested in, and if you can, ask scholarship holders for a few tips.
If you’re making several scholarship applications, create a separate file for each one. On each folder, make a checklist of requirements and interview schedules, and tick them off as you complete them. Write down application deadlines on the front. Most scholarships require transcripts, SATs or other standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and application essays. They’ll also have their own application forms, which you may be able to download from the scholarship website.
When filling out forms, make sure to answer every single question. If a question doesn’t apply to you, call up the office and ask what you should do. Chances are they’ll just tell you to leave it blank or write “NA” (not applicable), but it’s best to know you’re doing the right thing. It also shows that you’re a careful thinker and are determined to do things right.
Some scholarships will require a personal interview, talent test, or audition. Take note of these dates well in advance, even if you’re not sure you’ll make it to that round. Let the idea sit in your head for a while—imagine interview scenarios, think up possible questions and answers, even think of what you’re going to where. The longer it’s been playing in your head, the more comfortable you’ll be on the big day—even if it turns out nothing like you imagined.
Finally, make sure to check and double-check every page of your application. Scholarships are competitive, and even a small typo can count against you significantly. Have at least two different people proofread the whole thing, perhaps more. There’s no such thing as “too good”; if you think there’s room for improvement, go ahead and use it!
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