Helpful Hints: Applying for Scholarships

Who are you?

When looking for external scholarships, you should look for the award funds that best describe you and your interests.

• Think individually, academically, locally, and globally.

• Consider multiple identities — female, veteran, religious affiliation, LGBTQ, fraternity, sorority, service memberships, athlete, differently abled, or first generation college student.

• Think geographically — where do I have or have had residency?

• Consider your research and academic interests.

How much time do you have?

You should decide how much time to put into your scholarship search because there is no guarantee that it will yield results.

Get organized.

Create an Excel template. Know when scholarships are due.

Get connected.

• Google search

• Financial aid websites at other schools

• Contact your academic advisor or grant managers in your department

• Local library

• Let as many people know that you are looking as you can. Someone may be aware of an opportunity that is perfect for you.

Every little bit counts.

Larger scholarships are more competitive. Consider applying for smaller scholarship awards. They tend to be less competitive and are also less likely to use strict cutoffs for grades and test scores.

Have your application ready to go.

• Always have your resume and transcripts ready.

• Spell check is never enough.

• Have your personal statement ready.

• Make it easy for others to help you. When you ask for letters of recommendation, always provide a resume, your most recent transcript, and a brief statement of your career goals.

Show gratitude.

Be certain to send a thank you note or email to the scholarship committee, as well as to your recommenders for taking the time to write a letter on your behalf.