Scholarships >> Browse Articles >> Tips
10 Ways to Make Scholarship Sponsors Love You
Scholarship sponsors outline ten must haves for any successful application.
By Kay Peterson, Ph.D.
Before you submit your scholarship application, check out these tips, provided by scholarship sponsors nationwide.
Tip #1: Apply only if you are eligible.
Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully to make sure you’re eligible before you send in your application.
Tip #2: Complete the application in full.
If a question doesn’t apply, note that on the application. Don’t just leave a blank. Supply all additional supporting material, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation and essays.
Tip #3: Follow directions.
Provide everything that’s required, but don’t supply things that aren’t requested—you could be disqualified.
Tip #4: Neatness counts.
Always type your application, or if you must print, do so neatly and legibly. Make a couple of photocopies of all the forms before you fill them out. Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet.
Tip #5: Write an essay that makes a strong impression.
The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your experience come alive: the who, what, where, and when of your topic. The simplest experience can be monumental if you present honestly how you were affected.
Tip #6: Watch all deadlines.
To help keep yourself on track, impose your own deadline that is at least two weeks prior to the official deadline. Use the buffer time to make sure everything is ready on time. Don’t rely on extensions—very few scholarship providers allow them at all.
Tip #7: Make sure your application
gets where it needs to go.
Put your name (and Social Security number, if applicable) on all pages of the application. Pieces of your application may get lost unless they are clearly identified.
Tip #8: Keep a back-up file in case anything goes wrong.
Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet. If your application goes astray, you’ll be able to reproduce it quickly.
Tip #9: Give it a final “once-over.”
Proofread the entire application carefully. Be on the lookout for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Ask a friend, teacher or parent to proofread it as well.
Tip #10: Ask for help if you need it.
If you have problems with the application, don’t hesitate to call the funding organization.
ZorkuA
4 days ago
I trust these tips will fetch me more scholarships. Thanks.
IsobelL
18 days ago
Great tips. I'll be sure to remember them! XD
BalogunO10
18 days ago
Hello my name is Lekan i am looking for admission in any reputable institution in europe or america but i am having only High School Transcript but not having SAT and ACT,Please link me with any school that allow High School Transcript.
The Heart has reason that reason cannot know/
Thank You
TariceB
22 days ago
Hello, my name is Tarice and I am a graduated student. I would like to say that I personally enjoyed the article and the given option to receive information on things that we, as students, might not be informed about, but I felt the need to post a comment because, as the article states, proof-reading is a very important key. As I was reading through some of the comments that were already posted, I happened to pass over grammatical mistake after grammatical mistake and it's almost revolting. Such things as these cannot look good for any sponsor who has to overlook the applications sent in by these students. So, I suppose that the words of advice that I am trying to send is that though these may be good tips, they are almost useless if you continuously misspell words and leave out punctuation and capitalization. No feelings are meant to be hurt by this post. I only mean to help.
EstherR46
24 days ago
i will put this in my memory so i can have it when i need it.
LinusE2
27 days ago
thanks very good tips but i always fail to get sponsors i dont know what is the problem
Fastweb45352
28 days ago
I am very interested with these tips and I wish also get this finantial aid for attending my education dreams with FASTWEB.
I thank you so much.
God bless you.
SammyC7
29 days ago
These are very good tips my brother used them and won over 13,000 in scholarships several were renewable for four years. My first brother won 5,000 in scholarships when he did it and I have already won 5,000 in scholarships before my senior year. Many of the places we have been say proof reading is KEY! Good Luck! Sammy
SahilP10
about 1 month ago
i am keep trying. but i always fail to get a scholarship. o well . i will try again.
smishells
about 1 month ago
Hi
My name is Sara Soto looking for scholarships for Community Colleges,and my dream is to be a Doctor in United States and other countrys to, I am a Senior Student in a Charter School Heritage College Ready Academy High School and I would like to get alot of help of others because in the future I could Help others.
God Bless ya..
VictoriaC1123
about 1 month ago
Education
My name is Vicky looking for scholarshp. There only three month remaining then the UNIVERSITIES will be reopened and Iam a candidete of it. The bad thing which iam passing is that up to day i have not even 1 euro to pay for my studies neither got a scholarship.
I want to be an English teacher so that I may help others ot be educated as I was helped. But as the day are going on it seems tha my dreams are failling. Iam a linguistics student and currently iam about to finolise my diploma in English and French here in my country.
Iam intresseted to study in uk whereis the fontain and source of English in order to an exellent English educator.Please whoever it may concern this request help me Ihave no alternative. I am very poor nobody can help me if is not you.
If you aid me I will also help others.
The Peace of God be with you, thanks
arionnaextra
about 1 month ago
My name is yvonne joplin, and I am in the process of finally going for one of my dreams of getting my cosmotology license, I am in my first quarter of 15 mths and I love it ! I have an awesome teacher who really cares that we are able to acheive any goals that we have. This really makes a world of a difference in my confidence . I am currently homeless and yet school is my full-time job. I have faith that my dedication will pay off in the long run. Not only for me but for those who I plan on beatifying lol All I need is alittle financial help for my schooling,,, for this to happen for me I would be truly grateful to all. God Bless smile
BrianaC296
about 1 month ago
Tip #7 should be noted as "if applicable" as far as putting your name on every page. Many scholarship apps I have come across specifically stated "do not put your name on the personal essay page", in an effort for an unbiased reading by the judges.