The 8 Do’s and Don’ts of College Scholarships
When paying for college expenses, every bit helps. Therefore, scholarships are available for students to earn if they wish to put in the effort. Applying and earning a scholarship is easier than you think, especially when you know what you’re doing. The advisors at College Funding of Tampa Bay will show you the do’s and don’ts of college scholarships so you can be successful in your quest for higher education.
1. DO start the scholarship hunt as soon as possible.
By starting your search early, you can have the upper hand in being among the first to send in your application and catch opportunities before they close. The committee viewing your application will see how eager you are to prove your worth and take that as a desirable quality.
2. DON’T wait until the last minute to start searching or applying.
Turning in your application right before the deadline can leave a bad impression. The people reviewing your application may take it as a sign that you tend to procrastinate or that the scholarship isn’t that important to you. You could also miss out on good opportunities by starting your search too late.
3. DO include letters of recommendation in your application whenever possible.
Letters of recommendation by teachers who can attest to your skills and abilities can greatly improve your chances of being selected, especially if the ones granting the scholarship know the instructor personally.
4. DON’T rely on other people to turn in your application for you.
Your scholarship application should be personal to you. The qualities of your character that would otherwise earn you a scholarship won’t be accurately expressed to those selecting the recipients. If you leave the application process to someone else, there’s also a good chance that they’ll make a mistake that could affect your odds.
5. DO apply for every scholarship you can.
It’s not always guaranteed that you’ll receive your first (or second) choice for a scholarship. If you want to increase your chances of getting any sort of reward, there’s no harm in applying for every single scholarship opportunity you can find. It’ll be worth it no matter how big or small the reward, as long as you get one!
6. DON’T fall for scams.
While you should apply for every opportunity you can, it’s important to be aware of people who are wanting to take advantage of students who are looking to receive financial help for school. If an application requires you to provide sensitive information or pay an application fee, stop and take a moment to check the validity of the organization before falling for anything sketchy.
7. DO read the instructions and requirements for each application very carefully.
Each scholarship may have a unique application process, and you don’t want to hurt your chances by overlooking something so simple. Make sure you take the time to read everything word for word to ensure a valid application.
8. DON’T reuse the same essay for every scholarship application.
People gravitate towards personalized applications as it displays the true nature of your character. When you try to pump out a “one size fits all” application everywhere, you lose your personality in the process. People can tell when you’ve put special care and effort into a single application, and that’s what ends up earning the big reward!
Need Help Getting a Scholarship?
The financial advisors at College Funding of Tampa Bay can help you get the aid you need to fund your college education. Call us today at (813) 755-6834 to schedule your consultation!
