Helpful Scholarship Hints

Quick Links

Getting Ready

  1. Start gathering material about yourself. Build a file or resume'. Things to include:
    • Grade point average, class rank, courses selected (areas of interest).
    • Test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.)
    • School and community services you have participated in.
    • Honors and awards you have received.
    • Your hobbies and interests.
    • Work and volunteer experience.
  2. If you haven't done so already, take the SAT or ACT. (These tests should be taken no later than December of your senior year in high school).
  3. Think about your personal goals. You may be asked to write essays on these types of topics:
    • What are your education and career goals?
    • Where do you see yourself five years from now?
    • What are your three best characteristics?
  4. Contact three individuals to act as references. Check to see if they would be willing to write a letter of reference for you. Ask them early -- a couple of weeks, at least -- so they will not be rushed and so that you will have the letters in time for the application deadline. Indicate whether you will need more than one letter.

Beginning the Application Process -- Start Early

  1. Most scholarship applications require an application form, a personal essay (150 - 500 words), and one or more letters of recommendation. Allow yourself at least two weeks to complete this process.
  2. Finish the application form completely, answering every question. If you skip a question, you may be disqualified.
  3. Meet with your school counselor or academic advisor. Often a school representative, usually your counselor or advisor, will be required to complete a section of your application, confirming your academic record and perhaps recommending you. Give this person at least one week to complete the school's portion of your application.
  4. Draft your essay. Don't expect your first essay to be perfect. Allow enough time to evaluate and rewrite. It is a good idea to compose your essay on a computer or a separate sheet of paper and transfer the final draft to the scholarship application form.
  5. Be aware of the deadline. A late or incomplete application may automatically disqualify you.
  6. Research the scholarships you're planning to apply for. See if anyone from your school has ever won or applied for that scholarship, or if a counselor has any advice. Also, beware of scholarships that ask for you to place money down towards your award; helpful tips about scholarship scams can be found here.

Starting Your Essay

  • You are writing for a purpose. Be persuasive in showing the reader that you are deserving of the award. Remember your audience.
  • Make certain that you understand the question or the topic. Your essay should answer the question or speak directly to the given topic.
  • Make a list of all your ideas, any possibilities. Be creative, brainstorm without censoring.
  • Sort through ideas and priorities. You can't tell them everything, so be selective.
  • Choose ideas and information which are not reflected in other parts of your application. This is your chance to supplement your application with information you want them to know.

Writing The Draft -- Apply what you learned in English class

  • Develop an outline of what information you want to present and in what order you want to present it. Then work on one paragraph at a time, always trying to include a topic sentence and examples which prove your point as convincingly as possible.
  • Make transitions between your paragraphs.
  • Avoid using the passive voice. Action verbs capture much more attention.
  • Use concrete examples. Examples of behavior will often demonstrate an idea more effectively than an adjective. In other words, show how or why, don't just tell.
  • Use exact, concrete language. Avoid vague references, wordy usage or cliche's.

Editing Your Draft

  1. Consider the following points:
    • Does your introduction capture the reader's attention?
    • Are you consistent in your verb tense?
    • Are you being concise enough to adhere to the limits in essay length?
    • Have you checked for grammatical or spelling errors?
    • Does the essay present you as you wish to be seen?
    • Would you remember this essay if you, like the judges, had to read 200 others? If not, what can you do to change that?
    • Does your closing paragraph tie everything in your essay together and does it present you as you wish to be remembered?
  2. Ask a person whose writing abilities you respect to review your draft. Sometimes a pair of fresh eyes will spot errors that tired ones miss.

Completing Your Application

  • Should you type it? Some applications list a preference for typed or handwritten work. Regardless of preference, the application should be neat and legible.
  • When you think that the application is complete, ask a friend to review it one last time. Make certain you provide everything that the application requires.
  • Retain a copy for your records.

Follow-Up

  • Thank those who assisted you with the application or wrote letters of recommendation. A thank-you note would be nice. Making a good impression can only help you.
  • If you are granted a scholarship, be certain to keep in touch with the donors. It is especially crucial to maintain contact if the scholarship is renewable.
  • If you are granted a renewable scholarship, find out if you must meet specific conditions to have your award renewed.

*Timesaving Hint: Many scholarship applications have similar essay requirements. You may be able to use the same essay, with only slight variations, for more than one scholarship.

Information provided by the Office of Academic Affairs and Financial Aid at Portland State University.