Welcome back to my college application series. Today's topic includes my top 6 tips for scholarship searching! Searching for scholarships has always been one of my most dreaded tasks as a college student. It always seems like this game where receiving scholarships is just hit or miss. I understand it can be super frustrating but it always feels great when you FINALLY receive a scholarship, even if it's $500 because every bit helps.
1. Start early!
I cannot stress this enough. Be sure to start your scholarship search early! If you are beginning college in August, don't wait until June/July to begin looking for scholarships. You should probably start in March if you're someone like me who likes to procrastinate. Giving yourself enough time to search for/complete scholarship applications is vital because you'll most likely have to write essays and you'll need plenty of time to edit/review your writing to make sure it's your best.
2. Designate time in your schedule for scholarship searching or completing applications
This tip will definitely help you in the summer. During the summer is it very easy to forget about your obligations and hang out with friends or do whatever else it is that brings your pleasure. However, it is important to find ways to still work scholarship searching into your day. If you're someone who likes to spend the afternoon hanging out with friends or gaming, you could dedicate your morning to scholarship searching. If you work early in the mornings, you could dedicate some time right after work to look for scholarships.
3. Answer profile questions on scholarship search engines
Answering the profile questions provided by scholarship search engines can be tiresome and time consuming but it is the best way to increase the number of results provided by the website. Be sure to take your time and thoroughly complete the questionnaire to maximize your results. One of my favorite sites for scholarship searching and college planning in general is collegeboard.com .
4. Check with your job about scholarships.
A lot of employers today offer scholarships! Be sure to check with your employer for more information about the types of scholarships offered and the requirements. I've heard about some employers requiring employees to work a certain number of hours in order to be a candidate for scholarships so be sure to check well before you need the money!
5. Be aware of application deadlines!
Why do all the hard work of searching and writing essays just to miss the deadline? When applying for scholarships be sure to write deadlines in your calendar or add them to your phone so you don't forget. The blow of not being considered for a scholarship because you forgot about the deadline after doing all the hard work is devastating. Don't put yourself through that!
6. Keep pushing.
I feel that this last tip is the most important. It's okay. You may not get every scholarship that you apply for. You may not get HALF the scholarships that you apply for but at least you are doing everything that you can. Others will notice that and may even feel compelled to donate money towards your education or contribute in other ways. Never stop pushing and don't become discouraged if you don't receive the top dollar scholarships. Pennies add up don't they?
Comments