Scholarship season takes place in the beginning of the second semester. Seniors all over the country scramble to earn the money that could very well save them from a lifetime of debt. If one wants to stand out against the flood of applications, they can do many things preemptively to highlight themselves.
Many scholarships require essays. They can range from short answer responses to long research papers requiring days of effort. Institutions offering scholarships often use similar prompts, so one could research common scholarship prompts and write essays beforehand. Then, that essay could be used in many essays with a little rewording to match specific requirements.
Keep a list of awards, community service and extracurriculars. Almost every application process asks for that information, whether through a myriad of questions or a resume. Having that list allows for easy access to that information when the time comes.
Make a brag sheet. Include most of what the prior list holds along with intended college, acceptance, anticipated major, aspirations and any advanced classes taken. Condensing all that information into a document allows for easy communication and a simple way to transfer that information to people.
Ask for letters of recommendation early. Scholarships often require at least one letter of recommendation, but others ask for more than one. Letters can come from anyone unrelated to oneself. They typically consist of mentor figures who have made an impact on one’s life. Make sure to get some from teachers and non-teachers, as some scholarships have specific preferences. Communicate with the people asked to ensure that they consent to possibly having to fill out forms, and communicate with the people distributing the scholarship, as many reach out to them to ensure no fraudulent activity.
Scholarship season can provide a lot of stress. With fast due dates and lots of individual requirements, a planner can provide a lot of help. If not a planner, a Google Sheet or something of that nature can help organize all the information needed to keep track of all the information.
Apply for all the scholarships available even if some of the requirements do not quite fit. If one person assumes that a scholarship is out of reach, others probably will as well. Go for the scholarship; the work might just pay off.
Scholarships can help a lot when it comes to financial strain caused by college. They do not have to be repaid and often have renewable options with preferences towards students who have previously won it. They do require effort, but the rewards reflect the work.
