Things You Most Do To Win Your First Scholarship: Winning a scholarship is one of the best and most convenient options to finance your college studies. Unlike loans, scholarships are gifts that never have to be repaid.

We know how challenging the scholarship process can be. That’s why we’ve compiled these 10 best tips to help you not just apply for scholarships, but to win them.

Tuition fees are at an all-time high which has led to an even higher demand for scholarships. Roughly three out of four graduates are walking away with over $40,000 of debt that (on average) takes many years to repay. In order to avert this, it is best to apply for as many scholarships as possible (that is – laying your eggs in as many baskets as possible). Lets dive in.

10 Things You Must Do To Win Your First Scholarship

#1: PRESENT A POWERFUL PERSONAL STATEMENT

Before you try to convince a scholarship committee that you deserve a scholarship, you have to convince yourself first. Identify your strengths and weaknesses: be realistic but optimistic. Recap your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and think about your long-term goals. To stand out from the crowd, have a clear answer for the following questions:

• What doors would a scholarship open for you?
• How would you take advantage of those opportunities to make the world a better place?

#2: LAY YOUR EGGS IN DIFFERENT BASKETS

You need to begin laying all your eggs in different baskets. Scholarships are a numbers game. You’re not going to win them all, but through repeated, consistent effort, you will win a good percentage of the ones you apply for. If you are eligible for a scholarship, apply without additional questions or doubts. Some scholarships may not be as prestigious, but applying for them will increase your chances of winning more money and decreasing the out-of-pocket cost of your degree. Remember, you can cover tuition fees and living expenses with multiple scholarships. Never think that the amount of financial aid is too little; even small scholarships can cover learning materials, rent, and additional costs.

 #3: GET SUPPORT

Remember, you do not have to go through the process alone. If and when you need support, ask for it. Many colleges offer consultations about scholarship opportunities. Seek information at your school, and in your community. This way, you can get valuable information and assistance. Utilize the resources available to you, such as school counselors, financial aid offices, and community organizations that can provide guidance and support throughout the application process.

Also, do not hesitate to ask for moral encouragement. Applying for college scholarships is a stressful process and the people around you can provide support. There are also various student clubs online clubs, and various social media platform that offer help and encouragement during the scholarship application process. They can share information about scholarship opportunities as well as provide friendly comfort.

 #4: BE ACTIVE ONLINE

We live in the digital age when even your social media profile photo can say a lot about you. Before applying, make sure your social media profiles match the values and views you have expressed in your essays. Many college scholarships ask for social media links and many committee members take into account the overall information they get from your social media profile. You can use your social media accounts to make a good impression and use them to your advantage.

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 #5: RESEARCH

This would seem to go without saying, but you’d be surprised! Be sure to read the directions carefully before you start filling out your application. Don’t assume you know what to do already.

Do your research! We know it’s time-consuming and exhausting, but believe us, it’s worth it! Find out what type of scholarships are suitable for your interests and background. Look for different options online. Remember that there are plenty of scholarships based on gender, academic achievements, special skills and talents, ethnicity etc. There is college scholarships fitted for very specific talents and interests and you might be suited for those opportunities. If you know what your skills and advantages are, you can use them to tailor the scholarships you apply for, and ultimately better your chances!

 #6: BE PREPARED

Collect all relevant documents in advance, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, resumes, and essays.

Ensure these documents are up-to-date and accurately reflect your achievements, activities, and experiences.

#7: WRITE INSPIRATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY

Remember, your scholarship essay is your opportunity to showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Use it as a platform to share your story, express your passions, and demonstrate why you are deserving of the scholarship. With a personal, authentic, and specific essay, you can leave a lasting impression on the scholarship committee and increase your chances of success.

Also Check: Flinders University Scholarship in Australia for International Students

#8: CREATE A SCHOLARSHIP ‘TO DO LIST’

By staying organized, setting personal deadlines, and thoroughly reviewing each application before submission, you can increase your chances of success in securing scholarships to fund your education. Remember, attention to detail and proactive planning are key to a successful scholarship application process.

 #9: TRACK SCHOLARSHIPS

Tracking all the different scholarship and funding programs can be challenging and in order to solve that, you can create a Scholarship Calendar. You can mark every scholarship deadline, as well as the dates of the winner announcement. This trick will not let you skip any deadline and will make sure you stay updated on your application status.

 #10: PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

For most scholarships, especially the competitive, you would usually be required to attend an interview session as part of the application selection procedures. It  is said that practice is the key to your success. Research commonly asked questions during scholarship interviews and think about your answers. You can write them down and then practice them in front of a mirror. The best option is to ask a friend or a family member to interview you and give you feedback. Also, you can record yourself, then watch and judge if you expressed your thoughts eloquently. Make sure that you are dressed properly even if the interview is held online, it is important to look professional.