Applying for scholarships can be tough. It’s easy to get discouraged by thinking about the other people applying and what your chances of winning are, but don’t underestimate your abilities and accomplishments. There are a lot of steps you can take to make sure that you stand out and your application is on the top of the list.
Here are some quick tips on putting together a killer scholarship application:
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Make sure this scholarship opportunity applies to you
With Scholarful, you don’t need to worry about this step. We do this for you to determine which specific scholarship opportunities you’re eligible for based on your criteria. When you’re using other scholarship platforms, make sure to read the eligibility requirements, to make sure you fit the bill before applying.
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Don’t just write an essay, tell a story
When a scholarship committee selects an essay based winner, it’s because that student not only answered the prompt properly, but crafted a compelling narrative to tell a story rather than just simply answering the questions asked. Most often, scholarship committees and providers are much more interested in who you are, rather than what you’ve done.. Telling the story of who you are is much more important and impactful than your accomplishments and grade point average.
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Get feedback from people you trust
Whether it’s a parent, a college counselor, or a friend, getting feedback from people you trust will guide you in the right path to success. Preferably, someone who is a good writer who will give you honest, thorough feedback is key. However, you don’t want too many cooks in the kitchen leading you in multiple directions. While feedback from others can certainly help you, too much feedback can skew your focus and ultimately, your essay. We would say the magic number is 2, and definitely no more than 3.
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Be yourself
Don’t try to assume what the scholarship committee is looking for and try to fit yourself into that category. Embrace the parts of you that make you unique – this is what scholarship committees are really looking for. Don’t shy away from fully embracing the parts of yourself that aren’t cookie-cutter, because at the end of the day, those are the things that will make you stand out.
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Know Your Audience
With that being said, it’s definitely important to know who you’re speaking to. Conduct a little research about the scholarship provider and who is on the committee. Dive into their website, see what their mission is all about, and figure out how you can relate their message back to you. The more the scholarship committee feels connected to you, the more likely you are to stand out.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to craft captivating applications that will make you shine.
Good luck!
Warm Regards,
Scholarful Team
