Tuition & Financial Options

Scholarship Tips

Individual scholarship applications will list unique scholarship criteria. However, the general format and guidelines are usually similar. Keep in mind the following information when completing a scholarship application.

• Turn in a neat application. Committee members are likely to grade a neat application more favorably than a sloppy one.
• Have at least three people proofread your application packet to catch spelling errors, grammatical and formatting mistakes, and formal language.
• Be organized. Since scholarship organizations ask for different criteria, it is important to pay extra attention to detail.
• Apply early. If scholarship organizations receive your scholarship application after the deadline, it will most likely be deemed ineligible. Moreover, some scholarship organizations accept only a limited number of applications regardless of the deadline date.
• Market yourself. Your application is how the selection committee gets to "know" you. Be sure to highlight or incorporate your accomplishments and goals.
• Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Several small awards can add up.
• Notify the organization that you are submitting your application. The extra effort tells the committee you are responsible and proactive.
• Do not make assumptions. If you have a question, ask.
• Follow instructions. Scholarship applications are specifically designed to meet the organization's needs for selecting recipients. Do not improvise. If the organization needs specific information, be sure to include it. (Please note: Be sure the organization is legitimate and reputable and that the request is reasonable.)

Avoiding Scholarship Scams

• The vast majority of scholarships will not require a fee to apply. Very rarely, a scholarship organization will ask for a small processing fee ($5). Never give a credit card number or bank account number.
• Scholarships are intended to help students stay out of debt, not accumulate debt. Be careful of organizations and scholarships that require a fee to apply as there is no guarantee a scholarship will be awarded to you.
• No scholarship is guaranteed. You may come across websites that will "guarantee" to find you a certain number of scholarships that you can receive. This is false. Scholarships are evaluated by a committee and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
• Winning scholarship awards without effort on your part is not likely. There are some websites that offer to do all of the work for you regarding the application process. This is untrue. The applicant needs to complete the application.
• You may receive emails or phone calls announcing that you have been selected as a recipient for a scholarship for which you never applied. These are not credible scholarships. Often, the caller will ask for a Social Security Number or bank account information. Do not provide your information.