Scholarship often becomes a goal that many students pursue in order to cut the costs of expensive education. On the other hand, application for a scholarship can become a challenging process, especially when you do not know how to start.
Scholarship application process is divided into 3 stages:
1. Preparation
• Find out the scholarship requirements. Study all the aspects scholarship committee wants to see in students’ applications. Remember that extracurricular activities have as much value as excellent grades in other subjects. You may also want to prepare for ACT and SAT tests in order to demonstrate your intelligence.
• Check the possibility of a scholarship connected to your favorite extracurricular activities. If you have significant achievements in a certain extracurricular activity, it may contribute to your success in obtaining a scholarship. Make sure to list your attainments and experience when sending the application.
• Study service opportunities. Spend time helping other members of society in nursing homes, children hospitals, homeless shelters, etc. Your volunteering experience will also add value to the scholarship application.
• Organize the necessary documents. Prepare the information needed for a scholarship application. This usually includes documents about your grades, accomplishments, activities, etc.
2. Search
• Start your search early. A scholarship application is usually a long process. So, start looking for scholarship early to ensure you have enough time before the deadline. Consider as many scholarships as you can. Look for available scholarships using counselors, community organizations, foundations, nonprofit organizations, federal aid and state grant agencies.
• Focus on high-value scholarships. When you create the list of the scholarships you wish to apply for, highlight high-value scholarships. This will allow you to prioritize on the financial aid that has most suitable offers.
3. Application
• Write an essay. Do your best in writing a good quality application essay that highlights your personal traits as well as your interests and experience. Use tutorials that will help you to write an excellent paper that will be both interesting and convincing.
• Prepare letters of recommendations. Choose people that may provide you with letters of recommendations that outline your best experiences. Supply them with requirements and examples of your accomplishments.
• Provide proofs of your attainments. Gather the documents that validate your academic grades and list your accomplishments.
• Land an interview. Dress appropriately and appear on time. Be ready to answer questions that are related to your studying, expectations and future goals. You may also prepare a list of questions to ask the scholarship committee. Behave appropriately and stay relaxed.
Now you are aware of the important stages that constitute the scholarship application process. So, prepare well, search enthusiastically and apply with confidence. These are your three factors of success in receiving the desired scholarship.
