The process of applying for scholarships can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be. There are many different scholarship applications out there, and they all vary in the information needed from the applicant. This article will discuss how to fill out a perfect scholarship application by giving you insider tips on what the truth behind filling out an application means.
illustration by Teresa Medeossi
Find a Scholarship that Suits your Interests and Needs
There are many different scholarships out there, so it's important to know which one would be best for you before applying. The Scholarship Helper website provides information on available awards from the government and outside sources such as businesses or individuals who have created their scholarship funds. You can also get ideas of where to look for scholarships by visiting sites like Fastweb. We found the Nancy Etz scholarship while reading an interview so you can find them in interesting places.
Submit the Application Itself
This part seems pretty self-explanatory - once you've found a scholarship that catches your eye, follow all instructions carefully to complete the process successfully. Make sure any required materials are submitted with each section if they ask for something like a resume. If the instructions say to attach all documents as one file, make sure you follow them!
Proofread Each Section of the Application for Errors or Typos
Your scholarship may be revoked if there are many grammatical mistakes in your essay, so it's important to check carefully before submitting any applications. Not only should you proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes, but also try reading out loud to yourself - this will help catch parts that don't sound quite right when read verbally. You can also ask someone else who is good at writing (or has great English skills) to look over everything too. It might feel weird asking someone else to proofread an essay about something personal, like why they deserve money from the government, but it will be worth it in the long run if they catch something you missed.
Have All the Required Materials before Submitting your Application
This is so important! It's frustrating having to submit multiple applications for scholarships because each one asks for different things, and you can't assume that someone has already submitted their resume or other important documents based on their name. If an organization requires any resumes, essays, transcripts, etc., make sure everything they need is attached when sending off your final copy of the scholarship application. Also, note that some organizations like National Merit require additional forms or information (such as a school code) even after filling out an online profile - make sure to follow these instructions carefully too!
Follow any Instructions Closely
Some scholarship applications require more than just an essay or transcript to be submitted before you can receive their award money. If this is the case, then all instructions should be followed exactly so that nothing goes wrong! Some scholarships may even request resumes instead of essays (usually longer) because they would like students to present themselves in the best light possible when applying for funds. Please make sure any extra materials asked for by organizations are attached and formatted correctly before submitting them online or through snail mail.
Double-check Everything One Last Time Before Submitting
It seems like common sense, but double-checking every part of your application can save a lot of frustration in the long run. Make sure you have all documents ready to attach, no errors or typos left, and everything is formatted correctly before submitting your application online (or by mail).
With these tips, you should be able to fill out a scholarship application without any worries. If you need help with other parts of the process, don't hesitate to contact our team! We would love to work with you and make sure that your hard work pays off in scholarships. Have you applied for any scholarships yet?
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