How to Make a Successful Application

• When writing for application forms and information, remember that your letter is your introduction. The letter should be clear, concise, and neat.
• Many scholarships have early application deadlines. Be sure to note the deadlines and requirements for each scholarship.
• Fill out the application completely and do not expect the reader to make assumptions; explain your situation and ideas clearly.
• Type your applications, essays, and letters; remember to check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• If you use a computer, make sure the print and font are clear and easy to read.
• Many scholarships require a letter of reference; the scholarship organization may send you a form or ask for a confidential letter.
• Follow instructions explicitly and provide what is asked of you. Do not send transcripts or other materials until they are requested.
• Have your work proofread by a second party.
• Choose your words carefully; application space and the readers’ time are usually limited.
• Sell yourself; present yourself in the best light, but be honest.
• Once you have been asked to provide transcripts, if possible, send them together with applications and letters of recommendation as a complete packet , not separately.
• Remember to sign your letters and application and provide the necessary postage.
• Most scholarships are highly competitive; do your best and do not hesitate to ask your teachers, advisor, or parents for advice.
• Allow for mail delays in meeting deadlines.

Interviews

Interviews are required by some scholarship committees, usually in the final stages of selection. They are more likely to be required if the scholarship is awarded for personal characteristics, like leadership or motivation.

The scholarship committee may want to meet you in order to give a personal impression to all the forms they receive. The interview can be an opportunity to emphasize your interests and hopes for your college education.

Beforehand, it might reassure you to look over the copies you made of your application. This will refresh your mind and help you focus on what you and your interviewer will most likely talk about. You can practice with a friend by listing possible questions and answering them aloud in front of another person.

Being neatly dressed and prompt helps because it tells the interviewer that you care about receiving the scholarship. Even though the setting of an interview may make you nervous, remember that they are just trying to get to know you better

How Are Scholarships Awarded?

The criteria for selecting scholarship recipients vary considerably. Because scholarships aim to further the interests of the donor, each organization chooses the qualities they wish to honor. Usually scholarships examine more than one factor. These factors are commonly considered:

Academic Achievement: This category examines grades, level of course work, test scores, and exceptional skills in specific fields.

Career Interests: Students who plan to major in specific career fields may be awarded scholarships by academic departments, private foundations or employers.

Financial Need: Financial need can often be a determining factor in many scholarships. Variation exists in defining financial need, so students may be classified as needy for one award, but not for another. Some scholarships clearly define the term “financial need.” Others allow the applicant or school to make that determination.

Good Character: This vague category usually includes honesty, reliability, good attendance, leadership, and responsibility.

Realistic Goals: An evaluation is made of the students’ abilities to meet their stated objectives.

School, Community, and Leadership Activities: A review of participation in extracurricular organizations and employment history are considered. Here, the extent to which you are committed and involved in these activities is more important than the number of activities listed. What you do beyond what is required of you and how you make a difference when you choose to be involved is a reflection of leadership.

Special Populations: Usually this category includes racial or ethnic groups, gender, religious affiliations, children of alumni, children of employees, etc. For example, there is a scholarship for students named Anderson (of Scandinavian descent) who plan to attend the University of Washington.

Special Skills or Talents: Music, drama, art and athletics are major areas for which these awards are granted. Usually there are added procedures for these merit scholarships, such as submitting a portfolio, an audition, meeting with coaches, etc.

In addition to the criteria listed for selection, the application is also evaluated on other subjective factors. The application itself, its neatness and completeness, makes a definite impression on the reader. The ability to follow the application’s directions (as to format or content) should not be underestimated. Well-written personal statements or letters of recommendation very often sway the judges. A strong, clear interview will do much to bolster an application. When there are many qualified applicants, judges have to look at small differences to distinguish applications.