Have a print copy of the actual scholarship requirements, deadlines.
Student needs to have copies of transcript (official and unofficial copies) on hand in order to complete scholarship. Most scholarships request this. Student should have easy access to several copies.
Have copies of your most recent tax returns ready to send, if needed.
Have copies of your Financial Aid SAR ready to send, if needed.
Student should save all essays from all scholarships.Often the questions are very similar. Once they have a good essay, they can customize it for each new scholarship. Use resources like the Academic Success Center to assist you with essays.Make sure you have someone else proofread your essays before you submit them.
Student should have clear copies of personal identification. Some scholarships may ask for proof of residency or citizenship.
Have several references in your folder. Include personal references, professors, work references. Be sure to have their CURRENT work title, (if relevant), address, email address and phone number. Get permission from each reference so they know you are using them as a reference, and ask if they prefer you to share their personal or work contact information.
Often times, references will be asked to write a letter of recommendation, be sure to give them enough time, and give them a deadline date that is at least 2 weeks prior to your scholarship deadline date. You don’t want to lose that scholarship because a reference didn’t do their part on time.This is YOUR responsibility, not theirs. Account for delays.
One of the hardest parts of scholarship applications is the letter of recommendation! Many scholarships require letters of recommendations as part of the application process. It is to your own advantage to be sure to choose someone who will have the proper grammar and writing skills - because this letter reflects on you! As a result, it is often best and highly recommended, that you pick someone who is not related to you. It is a way to show how the people in your life respect your skills and accomplishments. Recognize that writing a letter of recommendation is not an easy thing to do and will require time and substantial effort by the writer. Acknowledge the commitment you are asking of the writer.
Check out this article: "Ask Early and Nicely for Letters of Recommendation." in the US News and World Report It breaks everything down!
Make a list of the scholarships you are applying for and check off the items you need to submit. Keep track of:
Name of Scholarship
Company/Organization offering the scholarship
Due date
Amount being offered
Number of references needed
Work Reference?
Personal Reference?
School Reference?
Letters of Recommendation
Dates when you need letters of recommendation back
Proof of your Identification
Tax records on file
FAFSA information
Official Transcript and/or Unofficial Transcript
Essay #1
Essay #2
How to send the completed application (mail? Email?)
Contact person mailing address, email or phone number
Address or Email address where the application needed to be sent
When completed application was sent
Expected time you will hear whether you got the scholarship