Applying for Scholarships? Get the Winning Edge
Almost all major scholarships are highly competitive. As a result, it is important for your application packet to stand out. Follow these seven tips and it will.
1. Typing is always better than writingit’s easier to read and looks more professional. Write only when necessary.
2. When asked for references, get them from folks who know your academic potential and personal strengths. Letters from neighbors, family friends, etc. are not what most scholarship committees want.
3. Neatness and organization count. That’s worth repeating. Neatness and organization count. Got it?
4. Provide all requested information. Don’t be verbose, but do be thorough and complete.
5. Get everything in at least ten days before the deadline. It will make you appear responsible and ambitious.
6. Clip all of your documents together (neatly!). Do not, under any circumstances, use staples. Then, put your packet in an attractive folder which is unlikely to get destroyed in the mail.
7. Put the folder in a large envelope so your scholarship materials will arrive undamaged.
Will following these rules guarantee you a scholarship? Sorry, it’s not that easy. But, all things being equal, they will increase your chances. Good luck.
