How to Find and Apply ForScholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide
Scholarship application procedure
With the
cost of colleges and universities rising each year, it might feel like the
price of furthering your education is getting out of control. In fact, between
1988 and 2017, the cost of attending a public university increased by 213% and
the cost of a private one by 129%.
Students can expect to pay around $9,970 per year for
a public university and $34,740 per year for a private university. One of the
best ways to ease the pain of college tuition is earning scholarship awards.
Learning how to apply for scholarships can save you a ton of money on tuition,
plus it can help you feel more confident going into your college career!
When it
comes to paying for college, scholarships are one of the best options.
The good
news is there’s nearly a scholarship for everything you can think of. From
being left-handed, to showcasing your talents on the football field, to making
a prom outfit out of duct tape, the scholarship opportunities are endless.
When you’re awarded a scholarship, the money goes straight to your college
tuition (and sometimes books and room and board). You never have to worry about
paying back a scholarship award.
How toFind Scholarships to Apply for
The internet
has gifted us with so many different search tools and online resources where
you can find and apply for thousands of scholarships within minutes. We’re
breaking down common tools you (and your parents!) can use to find scholarships
to apply for.
Scholarship
Websites
Scholarship
websites are commonly the first place recommended to search. These
websites are easily accessible and host hundreds upon thousands of
scholarships. In the past few years, scholarship websites have really
upped their game with simple sign-up options, filter options (such as college
major, gender, race, and school year), and search results matched to students’
individual profiles.
The downside
with scholarship websites is the massive amounts of competition. Many of these
websites link to external, national scholarships, and sometimes the
scholarships are based on a lottery system. Since some sites aren’t updated
frequently enough or quality-checked, some sites will still list scholarship
programs that no longer exist.
One last note of caution about these sites: Beware of scams. Some scholarship applications may require you to pay a fee in order to apply. You shouldn’t need to pay for any scholarship application. That’s a big red flag.
Apps
Mobile apps
and mobile-friendly scholarship websites are a convenient method for searching
for scholarships. Having the ability to apply on-the-go and stay updated on
scholarships is a great benefit. Most apps personalize your search options.
Using Neweditiontv
App allows you to filter your scholarship search for local scholarships, create
a list of your favorite scholarships and colleges, and view scholarships you’re
eligible to apply for. We’re also released mobile apps (for Android ). Here is
the link to Download our APP CLICK HERE
Search
Engines
A simple
online search through Google or Bing is another option to find scholarships to
apply for. To search effectively, make a list of all the different categories
you fit into (e.g. by gender, race, state, hobbies, sports, disabilities, GPA,
etc.) and then search for scholarships based on those.
Newspapers
& Bulletin Boards
Old-fashioned
search tools should not be overlooked! Information on great local scholarships
could be waiting for you in the newspaper or on a community bulletin board. Try
looking for newspapers or bulletin boards at schools, cafes, community centers,
or places of worship.
These
scholarships have the benefit of being less known or having a specific, local
criteria you meet that national applications might not meet. For example, the
scholarship requirement section may read, “Must attend North Central Engineering
High School,” or “Applicants living in Olivier County are eligible.” This can
help increase your chances of receiving scholarship awards locally. Just make a
note to apply!
Scholarships
Providers
Similar to
scholarship search tools, scholarship providers range in organization,
accessibility, convenience, and competition. The main scholarship providers are
government, private, and school.
Government
Government
scholarships are provided on a national, state, or local level. Usually
national and state government scholarships are applied for through FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid). National scholarships contain a
crowded competition, since qualifications tend to be more flexible. For
example, most national scholarships are not restricted by major, school year,
or locality.
State and
local government scholarships have the restriction of where you live. Local
scholarships become very specific in which students they consider eligible.
However, the qualifications are typically related to demographic restrictions
rather than academic restrictions.
Private
Private
scholarships are provided by for-profits, like Coca-Cola
and Dr. Pepper, or non-profits, like the LEAP Foundation. Both options have
very flexible qualifications, as the company or organization is free to set
their own rules for the scholarship they are funding.
For-profit
scholarships have slightly more competition as they tend to be big name
companies. Non-profit scholarships can vary greatly. Both private scholarship
options tend to attach a theme to the scholarship application, such as a
college major, a hobby, your heritage, or a topic the organization may support.
School
School
scholarships can come from your high school (that you’re graduating) or your
college (that you will be attending next year). In both cases, schools may have
scholarships funded by the government, a private agency (for-profit or
non-profit), alumni, or the school’s own endowment. Some scholarships will be
eligible for all students, while others will be based on specific qualities
(e.g. leadership) or merits (GPA, sports). Some colleges may have departmental
scholarships–for example, only for students majoring in psychology. The narrower
the eligibility requirements, the less competition you have–and the greater
chance you have to win!
Whether
you’re applying for scholarships for the first time as an incoming college
freshman or just looking for some extra cash to get you through grad school,
here’s our step-by-step guide on how to apply for scholarships:
While the
application process can be enough to scare some less-motivated students away,
it’s really not so bad if you know what you’re in for (plus, Neweditiontv.com can
help make the process easier!). Whether you’re applying for scholarships for
the first time as an incoming college freshman or just looking for some extra
cash to get you through grad school, here’s our step-by-step guide on how to apply
for scholarships:
Step 1:
Search for Scholarships You’re Eligible For
You’ve
already completed the heavy lifting of finding scholarships to apply for. Now,
split your search into need-based and merit-based scholarships.
Need-based
scholarships depend on your or your family’s ability to pay for college and are
only awarded to candidates who need a little extra help financially.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to applicants based on their achievements
or abilities. They may be focused on academics, art, or athletics. There’s also
a large range of situation-based scholarships, such as ones for women,
minorities, journalism majors, or gamers.
Both need-
and merit-based scholarships may be offered by your college, private
organizations, or individuals. Talk to your high school guidance counselor or
the financial aid office at your university about your options.
You can also
search for scholarships using a scholarship
website like Neweditiontv.com. After going on this website you
will be able to see a lot of university scholarships based on information such
as your school year, college major, GPA, hobbies, sports, and extracurricular
activities.
Step 2:
Find and Understand the Application Requirements
It’s
important to research the requirements for the scholarship you’re applying for
since each application will require you to submit different documents or
complete various tasks.
Here are the
most common documents and materials needed for a scholarship application:
Scholarship
Application Form
Be sure to
fill out the scholarship application portion thoroughly and double-check that
the information is accurate. (With Going Merry, we auto-fill your scholarship
application forms based on your profile information–thus saving you loads of
time.)
Essay
The essay portion
of the application is your chance to shine. Even if you’re not a strong writer,
it gives you the opportunity to express your personality, ideas, and opinions.
You only have a certain amount of space and scholarship sponsors want to see
how you’ll use it.
Letters
of Recommendation
Most
scholarships require letters
of recommendation from personal or professional references. When
requesting a letter of recommendation from professors, teachers, guidance
counselors, or personal sources, give the requested person at least four weeks
notice. The last thing you want is a rushed recommendation or a stressed-out
recommender.
Copies of
Transcripts and Diplomas
Even if a
scholarship isn’t merit-based, it may require a copy of your most recent school
transcripts and your high school diploma. You can easily get transcript copies through your high school
or university website or through the Guidance or Registrar’s Office.
Occasionally, scholarship applications will also require your test scores from
the SAT or ACT.
Financial
Aid Information
Some
scholarships, especially if they’re need-based, might require you to submit your
FAFSA form or sometimes even your parents’ tax and income information
along with your application.
Resume/CV
An updated
resume can make a big difference when it comes to applying for scholarships.
Along with your essay, you should view your resume as one of the central pieces
of your application—where you can highlight your skills and accomplishments. If
you’re looking to take your resume writing skills to the next level.
Portfolio
Sending a
portfolio can significantly strengthen an application, especially for art and
design-related majors. If you don’t have a portfolio and feel that you might
need one, don’t sweat it. There are plenty of resources to help
you get started.
Step 3:
Create a Calendar
When it
comes to how to apply for scholarships, timing is key. It’s a good idea to
begin applying as soon as possible…those deadlines can sneak up on you! From
the start, make a list (whether in an Excel sheet or with pen and paper) of the
scholarships you’d like to apply for, their deadlines, and the required
documents and essays. (Neweditiontv.com also provides an estimated time for
each application).
Make sure to
start your scholarship applications well in advance so you’ll be ahead of the
game. Some applications will request that you create a media project, such as a
video explaining why you should be awarded the scholarship. This can be
time-consuming, especially when you’re already busy with classes, homework, and
sometimes extracurricular activities! Giving yourself time and starting early
will help you confidently submit your scholarship applications.
Step 4:
Rock the Essay
The
essay can make or break the application, so it’s important to give it
the time and effort that it deserves. Even if you’re lacking confidence when it
comes to your writing skills, following a few simple tips can help take your
essay to the next level.
Essay Tip
#1: Read the Instructions
One of the
most important aspects of your scholarship application is following
instructions, from start to finish! Read the instructions for writing your
essay as well. If the application requires a word count limit, stay within that
limit. If you need to write an essay and submit a media piece,
such as a video or photo, send it in!
Essay Tip
#2: Give Yourself Time
When you
give yourself sufficient time to write the essay, you’ll have more time to
think through your ideas, and have more time for proofreading. Plan your time
out beforehand to avoid errors and feel confident about the process.
Essay Tip
#3: Find Your Own Path
When you
apply for a scholarship, you’re responding to the same writing prompt as
hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of other applicants. How can you make your
essay stand out from the rest? What can you bring to it that nobody else can?
Set some time aside simply to think over your
strengths and to brainstorm ways to make your essay stand out.
Essay Tip
#4: Create an Outline
An outline
can help ensure that your essay is fluid and follows a logical sequence of
events. Outlines don’t always need to be detailed, even just a basic one can
help you organize your ideas!
Essay Tip
#5: Liven It Up
Nobody wants
to read a boring, lifeless essay…much less scholarship committees, who are
reading hundreds of applications! Showcase your personality in your writing and
let your passion show.
Essay Tip
#6: Proofread, Edit, Repeat
Taking five
extra minutes to proofread your essay can make a huge difference. We’re all
human and we make writing mistakes. Proofread your work and then ask a parent
or your guidance counselor to check your essay. Having a second set of eyes
take a look can help ensure your essay contains the correct spelling and
grammar, keeping your essay clean and professional when you submit it.
Step 5:
Submit Your Materials
Now that
you’ve gathered all of your documents and materials, the next step on how to
apply for scholarships is simply to turn them in! Some scholarships should be
submitted by mail while others are submitted online, so be sure to check the
requirements. If you requested letters of recommendation, be sure that the
person providing you with the recommendation knows the deadline. Also, provide
them with either the email address or a stamped envelope with the correct
destination address.
Step 6:
Check The Status of Your Scholarships, and Be Patient!
Most
scholarships will let you know when you can expect to hear back by. You can also
check the status of your scholarship once you’ve submitted it to ensure you’ve
included all information.
After
submitting your application, take a deep breath and relax. Keep a positive
attitude as you wait to hear back from the scholarship providers.
We also recommend keeping an organized list of the scholarships you’ve applied for, so you can estimate how much money you’ve applied for, and update it whenever you receive your scholarship application results!