College Scholarship Tips

Tips for Winning Scholarships

1. Apply if you’re eligible. Play the numbers game. Apply for
as many scholarships as you can. Pay attention to smaller,
local scholarships, which are frequently less competitive.
You can’t win if you don’t apply.

2. Get Organized!
Request letters of recommendation from your teachers,
counselors, coaches, employers, and community service
supervisors. Tell them what you want the letters to say
about you and give them plenty of time! Keep copies of each
in a neat, orderly file. Have copies of transcripts on hand.
Make copies of every application and keep track of dates
mailed, and when you should expect to hear if you’ve won.

3. Complete the application! Follow directions. Note deadlines
(note postmark or received by dates) and supplemental
materials such as letters of recommendation or official
transcripts. Be sure to sign the application if required.

4. Neatness counts! So does spelling. Type the application and
start with a copy as a rough draft.

5. Write a strong essay by being personal and specific. Follow
the prompts! Include concrete details, but be reflective of
the “story” and use a mature voice. Avoid “cute” and be
careful with humor.

6. Send It! Be sure of where the application needs to be sent
and address the package carefully. Don’t fold a bulky
application; sent it flat in a large envelope with plenty of
postage. If it doesn’t arrive you are not entered.

7. Give yourself plenty of time for each application. Allow
your application to sit overnight and proofread a final time
before sending. Reread for misspelled words, punctuation or
grammar errors. Have someone else (who will be critical and
honest) look it over for you.

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the College and
Career Center or your Counselor if you need it. Let us know
if you win.

Brad Asbury
Access College Foundation