5 Tips for Writing Scholarship Applications
For students seeking to finance a college education, scholarships are one of the best options. Scholarships provide funds that do not need to be repaid, and they are also a means of enhancing your resume after you graduate.
However, in order to receive a scholarship, it's essential that you write a strong application. In these days of economic uncertainty, there is particularly intense competition for scholarships. Making sure you complete yours to the best of your ability will give you a leg up. Here are five tips to help you get that scholarship you want.
Tip 1: Read everything.
Tip 2: Don't overload the scholarship committee with too much information.
Tip 3: Take your time writing personal statements and cover letters.
Tip 4: Get your letters of recommendations early and make sure you ask the right people.
Tip 5: Ask somebody else to look over your application.
Tip 1: Read everything.
Make sure you have the entire scholarship package, and that you carefully read all the materials. Scholarship applications vary in terms of specific instructions, so it's vital to read each application packet in detail before you start to apply. In addition, be certain that you are qualified for a particular scholarship before taking the time to apply. No matter how wonderful your application, you will be rejected if you are ineligible.
Tip 2: Don't overload the scholarship committee with too much information.
It is certainly important to list all relevant activities and honors, but also consider leaving out minor achievements in favor of the more significant ones. All activities and honors listed should reflect talents and passions outside as well as inside the classroom. If you read the application instructions carefully, you'll have a good idea of what to emphasize and what to leave out.
Tip 3: Take your time writing personal statements and cover letters.
Personal statements should be strongly and clearly worded and written in a professional, concise manner. They should reflect a singular message that you want to convey to this specific scholarship committee. Cover letters must also be rigorously proofread and edited, and should be written in standard business format and addressed to the appropriate recipient. Do not leave these parts of the application to the last minute. When hundreds of people are applying for the same scholarship, one mistake could mean rejection.
Tip 4: Get your letters of recommendations early and make sure you ask the right people.
Ask for letters of recommendations early. Remember, the people you ask are doing you a huge favor and while this may be your top priority, it is not theirs. Asking at the last minute is a surefire way to look unprepared and ungrateful.
Choose people who are willing and able to convey their knowledge of your leadership skills and talents in a well-written letter. Your recommenders should represent a wide range of your professional associations. For example, you might want to have one letter written by a teacher, and another written by a supervisor or colleague.
Tip 5: Ask somebody else to look over your application.
While you may be a fantastic editor, it is very easy to overlook your own mistakes. There is a reason why professional writers have editors. Ask a close friend, family member, or coworker to look over your application. Though it can be hard to hear even the smallest criticism on something you've worked hard on, at the end of the day your application will be much stronger if you listen to other people.
