How to Prepare a Strong Scholarship Application

There are a few factors that the scholarship review committee takes into consideration when reviewing applications: 

  1. Grade point average (GPA)
  2. Letters of recommendation
  3. Scholarship essays
  4. Past awards and extracurricular activities
  5. Information from your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Below you’ll find details about how to present and prepare your materials and what scholarship committees are looking for when they review applications for scholarships. 
 


Letters of Recommendation or References

For many scholarships you’ll need to request letters of recommendation or compile a list of references. There are important things to consider as you reach out to people who could be potential references and how you can support them as they prepare materials on your behalf.

  • Choose appropriate references (academic, personal) based on the instructions on the application. 
  • Contact your references ahead of time and ask them if they are willing and able to provide a reference for you. Some references may decline, if they feel they do not know you well enough to make a recommendation.
  • Make sure your references have the information they need to provide a good recommendation. It can be helpful to provide them with a copy of your personal statement or resume. Also, let them know what they are providing a reference for (scholarships, mentorship), so they can direct the recommendation appropriately.
  • Give your recommenders time to complete the reference. You should give them several weeks' notice. In the case of the online scholarship application, complete the reference section early so the references will receive the email link and have plenty of time to complete their section before the due date. 
  • Remember to thank your references and let them know the outcome of your application.
     

Scholarship Essays

For most scholarships, you’ll need to write an essay that answers a question about your life. These essay questions are often a variation of, "Describe a challenge you have overcome in your life. What did you learn and how has it shaped your life goals?'" Before you write your essay review these tips to help you prepare a strong and well-written essay:

  • Read the essay question(s) carefully to make sure you answer all parts of the question. 
  • Organize your ideas before writing, perhaps creating an outline of major points to address.
  • Write your essay by elaborating on the points in your outline. Introduce each point with a topic sentence, then elaborate on the point in the remainder of the paragraph.
  • Use specific examples, rather than broad generalizations.
  • Use clear, concise, and simple language.
  • Make sure the final sentence(s) pull together the points of your essay and provide a strong, memorable finish.
  • Carefully check spelling and grammar.
  • Reread the original essay question, then review your essay to make sure it addresses all points.
  • Ask someone with good writing skills to proofread the essay.
     

Past Awards & Extracurricular Activities

Keep a running list of your extracurricular activities and past awards. It’s important to show what interests you, how you have worked to stay involved, and your achievements. 

You will also want to document any community service that you perform. It could be completed as a member of a community organization or a volunteer activity that you do your own. Scholarship organizations prioritize students who demonstrate a commitment to their greater community.
 


Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 1 for priority consideration for our aid programs for the following academic year. We also use the information you provide in your FAFSA to award scholarships. Many scholarships take Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) into consideration when awarding scholarships. If you submit the FAFSA, you may qualify for more scholarships and financial aid.

If you are not eligible to submit the FAFSA, you can submit the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). The ORSAA is an alternative to the FAFSA for undocumented Oregon students, including students who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
 

 
Virtual Advisor