Scholarship Path: Document
Document
The first step is to document. Before you begin searching, take time to prepare for your search. Think of this step as packing before a trip. Because every scholarship is unique, you’ll need to find the scholarships that pertain to you.
It’s best to create a personal inventory, which is you on paper — your qualities, experiences and interests. This step is simple. Just grab a blank sheet of paper or open a new document and jot down information about yourself.
Here’s a list of ideas that you can include in your personal inventory — feel free to add others:
- Family background
- Ethnicity
- Work experience
- Professional association memberships
- Organizational memberships
- Military experience and affiliation
- Medical conditions
- Physical conditions
- Current degree program
- Grade point average (GPA)
- Awards won
- Volunteer work
- Religion
- Life experiences
- Hobbies
Once your list is complete, use it to help you find scholarships for which you qualify. Make sure to revisit the list every few months to update it as needed.
Getting started on scholarships
With the right information, you can simplify the process of applying for scholarships. Download our Scholarships Information Kit to learn the basics of the application process.