What does it take to win a scholarship? FastWeb invited scholarship winners and scholarship contenders (scholarship applicants who did not win awards) to detail their application habits in the hopes of uncovering some winning scholarship moves.
No substitute for hard work On average, award winners applied for more awards than contenders and award winners also spent more time per application than contenders. Though notable, it surely is no secret that individuals who cast a wider net to apply for more scholarships and dedicate greater time resources are more likely to have greater success.
However, there are two areas where winners and contenders differed significantly, relating to how students perceive scholarships and prepare their applications.
Support More than half of scholarship winners noted that they received assistance on their application. Most students said they received assistance from a parent or counselor proofreading their application. Conversely, over half of the students who did not win scholarships noted that they had no assistance on their applications.
Confidence The majority of students who won scholarships said they would apply for more scholarships if they ‘had more time.’ Students who did not win scholarships cited additional factors including that they would be more likely to apply for scholarships if they ‘understood more about the process’ or ‘knew people who won awards’ indicating that a lack confidence may have inhibited contenders from actively engaging in the application process.
How can you help the scholarship contenders become scholarship winners?
Show winners Highlight scholarship winners from your school from current and previous years. Place a 'Scholarship Board' in your guidance office or career center highlighting local scholarship opportunities and featuring your school’s winners. Visit FastWeb’s Winner’s Circle to see award winners from FastWeb.
Communicate the process Let students know that it is ok to ask for help. Your 'Scholarship Board' or school website can provide the space to explain the process of applying and offer opportunities for scholarship support. Of those students who have not won scholarships, over half say they ‘had no help at all.’ Present opportunities to help students with scholarship applications.
Apply already Encourage your students to get that first scholarship application out the door. It is an accomplishment that solidifies their commitment to find money for college and can help them gain the confidence to apply for more awards. As noted, the more applications the better.
Use FastWeb well Did you know your students can double their number of eligible awards by filling out the FastWeb profile completely? When students enter only the required information they see the same awards that many students are eligible (and applying for). Encourage your students to take the time to enter the details that set them apart: majors, interests, clubs, hobbies, etc. This additional information will match them to more specific scholarship opportunities to which fewer individuals are eligible.
*Winner's Circle Survey completed by 94,000 high school, college, graduate student users and users not currently enrolled. For more information on FastWeb's surveys, materials or our free educator membership program, please contact memberservices@fastweb.com
Add to:
