Finding Scholarships

You’ve decided to go to college, you’ve picked your school, and you’re ready to go. There’s only one remaining detail. How are you going to pay for school? Most of you may not realize how many scholarships are available, if only you would apply for them. There are many helpful resources online, as well, that can narrow your search to what you are looking for. Some of the better scholarships searching sites include:

-FastWeb!

-Scholarships.com

-CareerandColleges.com

-FindingTuition.com

If you’re not very savvy with the internet, here are a few more ways to find the right scholarship:

-Visit your high school counselor or college resource center to research any local or school-specific scholarships
-Check out scholarship reference books in a library or bookstore; make sure you locate the most current edition.
-If you attend or are thinking of attending a specific college, visit that school's website or call their admission's office to determine if they offer any scholarships.
-Be community-minded: does your church, bank, or other civic organization offer scholarships?

If you’re a senior in high school, you should start applying for scholarships as soon as possible after January 1st. The biggest mistake you can make is waiting too long to get started. If you don’t have your scholarship applications ready at the deadlines, there’s a pretty good chance hundreds or even thousands of other students’ applications ARE ready. Most scholarships require the following materials:

-Scholarship Application—Basic biographical information, and sometimes responses to short-answer questions. Follow the instructions given on the sheet; therefore, do not write in green ink if black ink is requested.

-Personal Statement—Possibly the most important part of your application, you must set yourself apart from other applicants and show the selector why you are the perfect candidate for their scholarship. It is called a “personal” statement; therefore, you should not rewrite information they already have. Show them who you are and what you want to do with your life. Make them want to give you an opportunity.

-Letters of Recommendation—Letters should come from professors who are familiar not only with your academic abilities, but also with your personal interests and background, and how those relate to your potential success. According to one foundation, "Letters from people who know you well are far more valuable than letters from well-known people who know you less well and who might write, at best, a form-like letter."

-Transcripts—In the academic world, there are two types of transcripts: unofficial and official. An unofficial transcript is a listing of coursework and grades similar to the printout available from facts. Unofficial transcripts are normally acceptable only for campus-based scholarships and awards. An official transcript is printed by the Office of the Registrar on official paper and includes the seal of the university and the signature of the Registrar. DO NOT SEND AN UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT IF AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT IS REQUESTED.

-Resume—Briefly describe activities that are not self-explanatory, and (where appropriate)describe the impact you made in each role. Your activities should represent your varied talents and passions outside the classroom.

It is best to apply for as many scholarships as possible, because every little bit counts. Do not count on one scholarship to be “the one”, because chances are you’re not the only “perfect” candidate for that scholarship. If you prepare all the necessary materials correctly, and take time to apply for A LOT of appropriate scholarships, you’ll be on your way to paying for college in no time.

If you have any thoughts on how to write a successful college application or have other scholarship resources you'd like to share, please leave us a comment!

Emily Martin, Intern at
The Business Shrink: Understanding the psychology of business and money.