Scholarship Application Tutorial
Applying for scholarships may seem like a daunting task to those who are just starting to investigate how to pay for college. However, most scholarships have a similar application process, so once you have applied to a couple, applying to several more should not be as difficult. Also, remember that if you're awarded a scholarship the effort you put into applying will be well worth your time.
Where to StartThe first step every student looking for debt free ways to pay for school should take is to apply using the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), which will determine your eligibility for a wide range of government aid opportunities. The FAFSA does not award scholarships in the traditional sense of what a private scholarship is, a gift provided to a student on the basis of academic merit. However, the FAFSA does award grants to students who demonstrate adequate financial need and grants are just as good as scholarships in the sense that they are free money that you will never have to repay.
All students should begin by applying with the FAFSA because most of the time they are more likely to be awarded one of the thousands of need based grants distributed by the government than a highly competitive private and merit based scholarship. In addition, applying with FAFSA will determine if you can receive low interest need based loans, which may be important to you if scholarships and grants are not enough to cover your full cost of attendance.
You should apply with the FAFSA as soon as the application is available; January 1st for the following school year. You can completely apply with the FAFSA online.
How and Where to Find ScholarshipsPart of the process of successfully applying for scholarships is finding the best scholarships; meaning the scholarships you are most qualified for and have the highest chance of winning. One way to ensure you find the best scholarships is to start your search early so you have time to find the best-fitting scholarships. Plus by applying early you will ensure that you have enough time to meet the deadline; requesting application materials, finding answers to questions and writing essays can add up weeks of work.
There are many sites that specialize in providing scholarship search engines. However, these sites largely vary in their quality. In general, you will want to look for sites that have a sizable database of scholarships and a specific way for you to search for scholarships that you are eligible for. Scholarship Experts is one of these sites and has been voted by Forbes magazine as the best scholarship website every year since 2003.
Once you start searching for scholarships you will want to pay special attention to eligibility requirements. Eligibility requirements can sometimes be detailed and complicated, so be sure you read them carefully. It takes less time to do this than apply for a scholarship you are ineligible and did not know it. If you do not understand something call and ask the providers of the scholarship for clarification.
How to Apply for ScholarshipsThe specifics of applying to a particular scholarship will vary, but most scholarship application processes follow a general pattern. After you have found a scholarship that you are qualified for, read the directions fully and in detail. Next you will need to prepare and organize your application materials. Several scholarships require you to submit some or all of the following materials:
- Pertinent test scores
- All transcripts
- Financial aid forms
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Any other specific materials to verify your proof of eligibility
You should spend time doing a quality job on your essays. Other aspects of your application are important such as your past academic performance and test scores, but the essay component gives decision makers insight into what makes you different from all the other applicants. A well-written and passionate essay can sway awards when a choice must be made between students with similar strengths in other areas. In addition to having your teachers, peers, or mentors read and provide feedback on your essays check out FinAid, a non-profit financial aid site recommended by the US Department of Education, for scholarships essay tips.
Once you have compiled all the necessary materials fill out the application, following the directions to the letter. Then proof read the application and all other accompanying materials. Do not leave any items blank and make sure your writing is legible and clean.
Before you submit your application make a copy of everything and put them in a file so you can refer back to it if you are asked to do anything further or if part of your application is lost or misplaced, which happens from time to time. Double check everything one more time and then submit your application.
Now you have already gathered several materials that you will likely need to apply to more scholarships. So you are next step is to do just that; search out and apply for more scholarships so you can graduate with as little debt as possible.
Article ReferencesUS Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov/students/college/apply/edpicks.jhtml
FinAid
http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/essays.phtml
Scholarship Experts
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com
FAFSA
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
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