Important Tips on Searching
for Scholarships
  • Remember the five P's - Prior preparation prevents poor performance.

  • Avoid mistakes on essays and applications. Spell-check, proofread, and allow one other person to proofread the applications and essay for errors.

  • Don't ignore scholarships that may be local or those for small amounts. Scholarship amounts, even as small as $50, can add up.

  • Don't rely on only one source such as the Internet for the scholarship search. Use many resources. (Many scholarships on the Internet or in the free scholarship searches that you find on the World Wide Web are nationally known and are harder to win due to greater competition. Local and regional scholarships are not found as easily through an Internet search, although they may be easier to win because the applicant pool is smaller. You have to use a combination of resources to find as many scholarships to apply for as possible)

  • Market yourself well. In your applications, highlight positive aspects about your lives and cultural values, especially involvement in your community.

  • Don't limit yourself to only one or two scholarships and wait for the best.

  • Apply for all scholarshps you are eligible for. Keep applying until the total you have won exceeds what you need to pay for your college costs.

  • Be organized. Keep track of deadlines and materials required to complete an application.

  • Remember that grades alone do not win most scholarships. Scholarship programs look at many factors such as community activities, diverse backgrounds, leadership, presentation of your application package, special or unusual talents or skills, etc.

  • Remember that it is harder NOT to believe in a scholarship scam that promises to do all the work for you. Understnd that the things we work hardest for often bring the greatest rewards. Hard work in the scholarship process as a college student could result in a more affordable college life.