Applying for Scholarships

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Applying for Scholarships

• Presented by
• Professor Paula Luft

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Steps in the Application Process

• Plan
• Collect
• Write
• Submit

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Plan

• Obtain applications early
• 3 months ahead of deadline
• Set aside lots of time
• 10-15 hours per application
• Read ALL instructions
• Call for clarification
• Create Spreadsheet
• Organize requirements
• Check off as complete

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Create a Spreadsheet
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Steps in the Application Process

• Plan
• Collect

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Collect

• Application form
• Hard copy
• Photocopy a working draft
• Use typewriter
• Download in Word format
• Print a working draft
• Fill in using computer/standard font
• Save electronically and print
• Fill in Online
• Print a working draft first
• Complete on screen
• Print

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Collect

• Bio/Resume Info
• Activities
• Dates or number of years involved
• References
• Not family or friends
• Standardized test scores
• Class rank
• Program of study

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Collect

• Work samples
• Essays
• Assignments
• Projects

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Collect

• TranscriptOfficial
• Request in writing from Registrar
• Request well in advance
• May need to be mailed directly
• Income tax forms

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Collect

• Letters of recommendation
• From professors familiar with your academic
  abilities, personal interests, and potential
  success
• Strong content and perfect grammar, punctuation,
  and format
• Must be detailed and specific
• Allow ample timefew weeks
• Provide scholarship info, transcript, resume/bio,
  personal statement

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Steps in the Application Process

• Plan
• Collect
• Write

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Write

• Application Form
• Follow ALL instructions completely
• Reviewers looking for reason to reject
• Put name and SS on every page
• Answer EVERY question
• If not applicable, write sentence telling why
• Dont use acronyms
• Spell out organizations

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Write

• Bio/Resume
• Use headings
• Community Service
• Academic Honors
• Chronological order or order of importance
• Activities
• Varied talents
• Passions outside classroom
• Show sustained commitment
• Be completely honest

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Write

• Personal Statement
• Picture of you as an individual
• As a student
• As a person
• Creative
• Your style
• What sets you apart
• Compelling

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Write

• Cover Letter
• Professional/Business style
• Correct name or Ladies and Gentlemen
• Express pleasure at opportunity to apply
• Praise work of funding organization
• Thank for time and consideration

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Write

• Essay
• Use essays to fulfill class requirements???
• Follow instructions completely
• Stick to topic
• Have essay critiqued and proofread
• Use spell check grammar check
• Edit and proofread!

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Steps in the Application Process

• Plan
• Collect
• Write
• Submit

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Submit

• Proofread AGAIN!
• Review ALL instructions
• Photocopy

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Submit

• Form production line process
• Efficient and accurate
• Use spreadsheet
• Do not staplepaper clip
• Do not fold
• Place in order requested
• Do not add documents not requested
• Do not use special folder unless requested
• Use large mailing envelope

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Submit

• Meet deadline
• Postmark deadline
• Sufficient postage
• Receipt deadline
• Mail 1 week in advance

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Submit

• Request Return Receipt or track package
• Follow up if no verification of receipt

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The Bottom Line

• Your scholarship application is a paper model of
  you.
• Make sure it is professional and compelling.
• Good Luck!

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References

• Google
• filling out scholarship applications
• http//www.scholarshiphelp.org
• http//scholarships.berkeley.edu
• http//www.hosa.org
• https//www.brokescholar.com

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PowerPoint Available

• Paula Lufts Web site
• http//facweb.bhc.edu/EastCampus/Faculty/luftp