Comments on: 10 Killer Tips for Scholarship Applicants

By: beasiswa

beasiswa — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:54:56 +0000

this the scholarship that im looking for, thank you admin, to make this article

By: Nate Desmond

Nate Desmond — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:56:26 +0000

@ Heather

Thank you for you kind comments.

You asked how much time a student should spend looking for scholarships during high school.

The answer really depends on the person. If you complete one scholarship every two weeks, you will be doing better than the vast majority of students. However, you must remember to keep quality before quantity. Submitting one quality scholarship will win you much more money than submitting 20 average scholarships. If you do not have time to write a quality scholarship submission every two weeks, extend the time limit – just remember to only submit high-quality scholarships.

Hope this helps!

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:41:07 +0000

Firstly, I just found this website and LOVE it! 8D

About searching for scholarships, I am going to start my Junior year of HS this fall and have a specific out of state school that I’d like to attend because of its programs.
How much time do you suggest looking for scholarships every day/week/month? Obviously Junior year is going to be very busy with SAT and AP classes. But I just think its silly to go to college and then leave drowning in debt.

By: Nate Desmond

Nate Desmond — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:50:59 +0000

@ Bill
I agree. I explained the importance of concrete examples in point # 9

@ HazardousPaste
Great point! I have often made the mistake of not having someone else read over my writing before I submit it.

By: HazardousPaste

HazardousPaste — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:40:51 +0000

Good tips. As far as #4, in addition to reading it yourself one more time it’s usually a good idea to have fresh eyes look it over as well. A parent, sibling, or friend will notice things that you do not.

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:03:55 +0000

I would add another point. I think many scholarships look for real world experience. Solid internships and/or unusual life experiences should be highlighted in the scholarship application wherever possible.

By: Nate Desmond

Nate Desmond — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:51:11 +0000

@ Vicki
I agree with you on both points!

Extracurricular activities: If you participate in too much, it will look like you are not spending enough time on other parts of life (i.e. school work). Quality before quantity.

Deadlines: I had never thought of still turning in scholarship applications even if they are late. I do agree, even though you have a very small chance of winning at least it is a chance.

Thanks,
Nate

By: Vicki@collegeparentcentral

Vicki@collegeparentcentral — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:44:54 +0000

This is an excellent post with excellent advice! Every point is important.
Two thoughts –
Point #2 about extracurricular activities: Yes, being involved is important, but make sure that the involvement is sincere. Don’t just join a bunch of clubs or do activities just to add to your resume. Most scholarship organizations (and college admissions offices) can see through that. They’d often rather see a few quality activities, with real involvement, than just a long list. And if you’ve been limited in your involvement because you’ve needed to spend time working, say so – and tell what you’ve learned from your work experience. They understand.
Point #3 about deadlines: Yes, yes and yes! Deadlines matter. Deadlines can make all of the difference. Be on time! However, with that said, if you’ve missed the deadline, but you have everything ready, send it anyway. Something may happen. Maybe the pool of applicants is thin this year. Don’t count on anything happening, but give it a try.
Thanks for this excellent post. I hope many students take it to heart.
Vicki

By: Nate Desmond

Nate Desmond — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:20:18 +0000

I agree, working for newspapers is a great opportunity for scholarship searches. Right now I am reading a book that recommends volunteering in your high school’s financial aid office in order to have better access to scholarships…interesting ideas.

Thanks,
Nate

By: Monroe on a Budget

Monroe on a Budget — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:11:18 +0000

Excellent post! I’ve talked about many of these ideas on my blog too.

I work as a newspaper reporter and my job includes getting the local scholarship notices in the paper. That means I see lists of almost every scholarship that students in my area actually win. I also happen to see the requirements as the civic clubs announce for this or that scholarship.

Now, where does one find those scholarships? Absolutely the first resource is your high school counselor’s office and the college financial aid office. Find out when, in your area, those local scholarship awards get posted. The high school and college people know first-hand which of their students are winning which awards, and why.

And if your newspaper does print those notices, find out what time of year or what day of the week those announcements are most likely to be posted.

Here is another tip: Accomplishments or service hours that you can record in the six months to two years before scholarship application season starts will be critical in impressing the committee who looks over the applications.

In my area of Monroe, Mich., the scholarship season application season is at its peak in January and February of high school senior year. In other words – after the college applications are due, but before students have seen the financial aid offers from the colleges.

Therefore it was in my daughter’s best interest to finish the work for her Girl Scout Gold Award in fall of senior year. Even though she did not get the pin and have her award ceremony until about two weeks before high school graduation, she was able to list the achievement on college and scholarship applications that were due much earlier.