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Scholarships

The term “scholarship” evokes an assortment of definitions and misunderstandings. Scholarships are not only for the valedictorians and star athletes, but for regular students with some unique qualifications. They typically fall into two categories: 1) need-based or 2) merit-based.

Need-based scholarships are more often than not determined by the student's EFC. Outside of the college, many scholarship foundations will want your prospective school to provide them with your EFC or at least answer some questions about your family's financial situation. As we've stated many times throughout this site, eligibility requirements can vary quite a bit among financial aid programs. Just because a student meets the eligibility requirements, does not guarantee them the scholarship. Consult the source of the scholarship for their application procedures.

Merit-based scholarships are typically based on a student's talent or academic prowess. However, other things like the leadership ability, moral character and involvement in extracurricular activities can warrant scholarship accessibility. While a family's financial situation could impact merit-based eligibility, usually it does not.

There is no shortage of places to find information about different scholarship opportunities. The internet has made finding scholarships a snap! In fact, there are several free services that will allow you to simply enter some information about yourself and the database will locate scholarships that match your profile. Check these out:

In addition to these scholarship search engines, be sure and visit the websites of large companies, colleges, high schools and different charitable organizations. Sometimes you have to dig a little. But the information is there.

Check these other resources, too:

Once you've located possible scholarship opportunities, it's time to apply. All scholarship applications will require you to tell something about yourself. Some ask for greater detail than others. But the important thing to remember is to spend your time wisely. Apply for those scholarships that afford you the best opportunity to win. Most of all...make a great first impression. To do that, follow those helpful hints:

  • Be neat. This is especially important if you're completing a paper application. But either online or on paper, you always want to be tidy and get the most out of the space you have. Make sure your information flows and is easy to scan. Colleges and scholarship foundations have to weed through untold numbers of applications.
  • Be original. Don't just state the facts...give meaning behind the facts. If you're applying for a scholarship for prospective veterinarians, don't just say you like animals. Tell how you came to love animals and what things along the way have reinforced that feeling or belief.
  • Be timely. A deadline is a deadline. If a scholarship has a deadline of March 15th, guess how many applications come in that day? Don't get lost in the crowd. Stay ahead of the curve and apply early.
  • Be mistake-free. Grammatical errors, incorrect punctuation, illegible handwriting are all examples of careless mistakes that can cost you a scholarship. Take your time and have someone who writes well to look at your application before you send it.
  • Be bold. Sometimes it's hard to toot your own horn. But in the case of scholarships, bold is better. You want to let the scholarship committees or judges know as much about you as you can. Don't be modest...the committees and judges want to know!
  • Be more than academic. Grades are important, but so are extracurricular activities, too. Many scholarships are constructed to reward people with unique characteristics...not just good grades. Be sure to highlight things such as sports, musical talents, club memberships, church involvement, etc.
  • Be optimistic. Having a good attitude about your scholarship potential will come through in your application. Know that you're just as qualified as anyone else applying for this scholarship.

A lot of scholarships will ask for recommendation letters to accompany or support your application. Very often, this is what separates a good candidate from a great candidate. Recommendation letters should speak to your abilities and your capabilities. Follow these guidelines when you're asked to provide such a letter:

  • Give the person who will be writing the letter as much advance notice as you can. You want them at their best, too. It's also the courteous thing to do.
  • Reassure the writer to be honest and speak from the heart. You don't want a love poem written about you. You want something that speaks about your character.
  • Let the writer know exactly what they need to do and provide them with a self-addressed, stamped envelope if the letter has to be sent by mail.
  • Make sure the writer knows what you're hoping to accomplish with this letter. Give them ideas about what to discuss by letting them know of recent accomplishments, extracurricular activities, awards, etc.
  • Try to use people who can speak to your integrity and know you well.
  • Don't use relatives...unless your uncle is the local Congressman.

Now that your applications have been received and your recommendation letters are on file, that's it...right? Not always. Many colleges and foundations will want to interview you for the more prestigious, high dollar scholarships. Scholarship interviews are usually done in mass with other prospective applicants on-site for the same reason. If you have the chance, mingle and introduce yourself to some of the other candidates. You'll be surprised who's watching. Plus, it's a great ice-breaker and let's you know that everyone here is human. Here are some other practical pointers:

  • Be prompt. If you're late, what does that say about you?
  • Be well-rested. You'll need to be sharp during the interview. That's hard to do if you're body is not rested.
  • Be well-groomed. This should not be a surprise, but your first impression consists not only of the first words you speak, but how you look. When in doubt, it's better to overdress than to underdress. Be comfortable, but present yourself accordingly. A tie for boys and a dress for girls is the norm.
  • Know your audience. If you're interview is with the college, it might be a good idea to visit the school's website before going. Know something about the school other than you want their money. The same goes for a foundation or company that might ask for an interview. If the company makes tires, it might be a good idea to know something about the tire industry.
  • Again...be bold. There's a difference between being cocky and being bold. Bold exudes confidence while cocky comes across as offensive and superficial. Practice on a friend and see what they say.
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