There’s no point in sugarcoating it: applying for scholarships can be a tedious, frustrating process. If you apply for enough of them, you’ll likely answer the same questions and write the same essay multiple times, with no guarantee that you’ll actually be rewarded any money.
But unless you’re applying for all the wrong scholarships, there’s a very good chance that your efforts will be rewarded. Let’s take a look at how to find the best options, and how to craft a winning application once you do.
1. Start with the major sites
Major scholarship websites are the best way to start searching and applying for scholarships. You can usually create a profile that sends notifications when any scholarships matching your criteria pop up.
The most popular scholarship sites include:
- Bold.org
- Chegg
- CollegeScholarships.org
- College Board
- Fastweb
- Going Merry
- Niche
- Peterson’s
- ScholarshipOwl
- Scholarships.com
- Sholly
- Unigo
It’s also a good idea to use social media to your advantage. Log onto Instagram and follow hashtags like #scholarship, #scholarships, and #scholarshipopportunities. When you see a post that sounds promising, save it on Instagram and email it to yourself.
2. Get feedback
Whether the scholarship application only requires a basic resume or a long essay, always have someone proofread what you submit. When you’re sending in multiple applications, you may stop noticing typos and easy mistakes.
Ask a parent, teacher, friend, or advisor to look through your resume, essay and application. You might be surprised at what they spot. You can also use free services like Grammarly, where you can copy and paste your document to see if there are any mistakes.
3. Stay organized
While college applications generally have similar deadlines, scholarship deadlines can vary widely. If you’re applying for dozens of awards, this can make it almost impossible to keep track of all the due dates.
Use a spreadsheet to track when each application is due. Have one column that includes a link to the scholarship website and other columns that indicate whether you need a recommendation letter or if you have to write an essay. You should also write down when the recipients will be notified. When you’ve turned in your application, highlight the row and mark it a different color.
Creating a spreadsheet may seem like just another hassle, but it will keep you from missing important deadlines and help you stay sane throughout the process.
4. Go outside the norm
When you only apply to scholarships that are listed on major websites, you’re missing out on potential awards. Make sure to conduct your own research for scholarships that fit your unique interests, talents and skills.
For example, if you participate in marching band, search on Google for “marching band scholarships.” You’ll find a treasure trove of scholarships geared toward students who participate in marching band.
Make a list of all your defining characteristics and start Googling those keywords plus the word scholarship. You might be surprised at what you find.
5. Start working on scholarships early
It’s natural to procrastinate when completing a scholarship application, but doing it too often can hurt your chances of winning. When you rush through an application, you’re more likely to make basic mistakes that could knock you out of the running, like spelling typos or not including all the necessary components.
When you find a scholarship, go through the list of requirements and see what you need. If the application requires a recommendation letter, you’ll need to provide at least a couple of weeks of notice to the letter writer. You’ll also need enough time for a teacher or other adult to proofread the essay.
6. Don’t avoid the small scholarships
Applying for scholarships can feel like a huge time commitment, especially on top of schoolwork and extracurriculars. That’s why many students only seek out full-ride awards or other large scholarships.
But don’t discount the small scholarships. Even a $500 award could pay for a semester’s worth of books or a month on a meal plan. Plus, the smaller awards often have a less competitive pool of applicants because other students are eyeing the major scholarships.
7. Ask about scholarships personally
Sometimes, finding a scholarship means reaching out to people you know and asking if they have any scholarship suggestions. Start with your high school advisor, who may know of local awards you qualify for.
Next, contact current and former mentors, supervisors, coaches and other adults and ask them if they know about any scholarships you might be eligible for. For example, many businesses provide college scholarships to current employees.
Your parents may also work for a company that awards scholarships to employees’ children. They can ask their HR department about these opportunities and how you can apply.
8. Keep applying for scholarships
Students often have the misconception that scholarships are only for college freshmen, but there are plenty of awards for upperclassmen. Don’t give up on applying for scholarships after you enroll in college.
You can utilize the same strategies mentioned above, but now you’ll also have access to scholarships designed for your specific major. Once you start school, ask your college academic advisor how to apply for scholarships. They should have suggestions on how to maximize your awards.
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