Scholarship Tips

Understand How Scholarships Are Awarded

Each scholarship is awarded through its own process. You may need to meet criteria for merit (grades, test scores, or accomplishments like athletic or musical ability). An award may be based on your family's financial need. Some awards are based on cultural, religious or other affiliations. A few awards are based on chance, such as a random drawing from eligible applicants.

Get Involved

You can increase the number of scholarships you may be eligible for by participating in a wide range of activities. These include athletics, extracurriculars and clubs, working or volunteering, joining groups, and pursuing other interests.

Do Your Best Academically

Higher grades and test scores can open up additional opportunities for awards or help you qualify for larger scholarships. Consider working with instructors and tutors to strengthen areas where you struggle.

Search Now and Later

Most scholarship applications are open during the academic year. Many scholarships are for high school seniors or current college students, so you should ramp up your search then. However, it's worthwhile to check for new opportunities on a regular basis throughout high school and throughout the calendar year.

Find the Sources

Scholarships are awarded by local, regional and national organizations, including community groups, churches, employers, businesses and colleges. High school counseling offices and college financial aid departments are a good place to start—check online and in person. An online search like Step 1 can also help you find new opportunities, and don't forget your own and your parents' employers and groups.

Build and Save Your Searches

Step 1 allows you to save multiple searches based on specific criteria. If you are undecided on the college you will attend or are unsure which of your qualifications will result in more scholarships, you can build different searches for additional results.

Choose Your Best Options

When you have a good list of possible scholarships, be sure to review the qualifications carefully. Focus on the applications for scholarships you are most qualified for. While applying for large national scholarships is worthwhile, don't forget that smaller awards you have a higher chance of receiving add up.

Provide All Required Items

When applying, be sure to submit everything the scholarship provider asks for. Complete every field in an online form, and be sure to include everything else requested—an essay that meets the prompt, letters of recommendation, videos, samples or other documentation.

Submit a Clean and Professional Application

If you are submitting an original work like an essay or video, be sure to outline, draft and review the submission before sending it in. It may help to share it with a parent or other trusted person who can spot any omissions or errors with a fresh eye. Always be professional, including using clean and suitable email addresses, tags and other key elements.

Set Up a System

Managing several submissions can quickly get away from you. Whether you use a spreadsheet, a binder or other organizational system, be sure to track what you've submitted to whom and when.

Track Deadlines

Organize your opportunities by deadline so you know which applications to focus on first. If an application requires something that will take several days or weeks to complete, be sure to include deadlines for each step so you aren't rushing through your application on the last day.

Check for Updates Frequently

Make a note of how and when the scholarship provider will contact winners and check for updates often. If a scholarship award will be announced via email, be sure you have added the provider's email address to your safe sender list and remember to check spam, promotional and other email folders that may be hiding an announcement.

Respond as Needed

Watch for any actions a scholarship provider needs you to take to continue being considered for, accept or receive an award. You may need to complete additional forms, provide information about your school or gather other information. Respond professionally and quickly.

Update Frequently

As your qualifications change with additional achievements or activities, update your profile and search criteria as needed. This may return additional scholarship opportunities for more money for college.

Keep Searching

The scholarship search is not one and done. More scholarships open up continuously, and some will only become available to you once you reach a certain point, such as scholarships from your academic department in college. Start your search early and continue it throughout your education era.

Communicate with Your Helpers

You may have a group of reliable references or recommenders. As you explore new scholarship opportunities, be sure to let others know if you are using their name or information for additional applications.

Let Your School Know

If you are a high school student, you may wish to let your guidance office know about any scholarships you receive. They can recognize your achievements and possibly help future students who may also qualify. As a current or incoming college student, you need to also tell the financial aid office about any outside scholarships you have.

Show Gratitude

When you are notified that you are receiving a scholarship, be sure to thank the provider as well as anyone who helped you by providing a reference or letter of recommendation.

Stay the Course

Some scholarships are renewable for multiple years, provided you continue to meet the requirements. You may need to let the scholarship provider know you wish to have the award renewed or meet certain academic or other qualifications. Be sure you understand these and the process to verify or communicate them so you don't lose out on any scholarship funds.