Opening Doors for Work

General Tips for Applying for Scholarships

Start Early! It takes time to find and apply for scholarships. Apply for all the scholarships for which you are eligible. To find scholarships, talk with your guidance counselor, visit the financial aid office of the school you currently attend or visit websites. Don't be afraid to ask your parents, counselor, teachers, and friends for help. They know you well and can help you to highlight your best abilities!

Applications represent your best

  • Know your talents and skills.
  • Be proud of your leadership, achievements and contributions.
  • Describe your experiences, abilities and strengths.

Complete the application

  • Read and follow all the directions on the applications.
  • Be neat.
  • Have someone proofread your application for spelling and grammar.
  • Complete the full application and attach the requested information.
  • Obtain all required signatures.
  • Keep a copy of all documents for your files.

Important Timelines

  • Pay attention to the deadlines.
  • Use a calendar to track all of the deadlines.
  • Set your own deadline that is at least 2 weeks prior to the official deadline.
  • Don't be late!
  • Note the award date or when you should hear about your application.

Follow up to your Application

  • Save all letters you receive from the schools or organization.
  • If you don't hear about your application by the award date, contact the awarder of the scholarship to ask.
  • Give a copy of the award letter to the financial aid office of your school or training program.

Do you wonder what happens to your Scholarship Application?

The Decision Making Process

  1. Initial Evaluation

    The application is screened to make sure the application is complete and neat; that the questions are answered and the required information included. The screener will look for references, transcripts or anything else that is required.

  2. The Second Round

    The judges will separate the satisfactory applications from the excellent applications. Your application is checked for errors, as well as what you have written.

  3. The Final Decision

    The final decision is made based on the criteria of the scholarship. The judges will look at all or some of the following:

    • Academics: A high GPA is important, but not the only factor. The judges consider how challenging your courses were. They confirm that you took the right courses to achieve your goals and how well you did in those courses.
    • Leadership: Judges look for leadership skills. They evaluate activities both in school and outside of school, including leadership positions you have held.
    • Service: Judges want to see that your education has included service to others. They will examine your involvement in service programs in high school or in the community.
    • Creativity: Judges look for the unique individuals. They look for your creativity shown through music, written composition, art or drama.
    • Special Circumstances: Judges want to see the uncommon. They will note if you have overcome certain challenges or hardships, or demonstrated outstanding effort to achieve your goals.