5 TIPS FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS
Minnesota Masonic CharitiesNovember 19, 2014
The National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education estimates that roughly 60 percent of 2013 graduating college students did so with loan debt, and about two-thirds of the nation's full-time students entering college this fall will pay for their educations with the help of scholarships or grants. It is not surprising that, as the price tag continues to climb for higher education, so does the number of individuals seeking scholarships and other funding support. In short, the competition for scholarship awards is fierce.
That said, once you've researched available scholarships and identified those for which you plan to apply, make sure you approach the process with the following five rules in mind:
#1: APPLY
Might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many students talk themselves out of filling out that application. Some have bought into those old scholarship myths that just won't die. No, you don't have to have a 4.0 GPA, be an athletic demi-God or low-income student to qualify for many scholarships. There are plenty of programs that award students for merit in certain areas, like community service or leadership. Programs like the Minnesota Masonic Charities Scholarships Program look at the whole student, their commitment to academics, service and their characters. Do not assume that someone with higher test scores trumps your application. I have often seen a well-conceived and communicated essay buoy an application to the top of the heap.
#2: APPLY EARLY
The application lists the deadline as February 15. The website lists the deadline as February 15. Your high school counselor says you have until February 15. Mail the application by January 1; sooner, if you can. Here's why: almost all scholarship applications require that you send your high school transcripts. Some require that recommendations also be sent. It is highly unlikely that all the components you need to arrive at the scholarship office will do so by the 15th if, say, you apply on the 10th. Send it in early, and set yourself up for success.
#3: APPLY CORRECTLY
If the application asks you to print your name, print your name. If you are supposed to send everything in one envelope, you will not get extra points for sending three. Of the hundreds of award requests we receive each year at MMC, at least 25 percent are disqualified due to incorrect or incomplete applications. A good rule of thumb: if in doubt, call the scholarship office and ask questions.
#4: APPLY CONSCIENTIOUSLY
Think about the organization that is offering the scholarship and about how you might be particularly worthy of its consideration. What does the organization represent? How do your values align? It is important to be thoughtful in how you approach a scholarship application, the tone of your essay and whether or not you are a good "fit" for an award. Remember, you are one of a number of qualified applicants competing for only a few award opportunities. If it feels like you're stretching to qualify, it's probably not the right scholarship for you.
#5: APPLY YOURSELF
Of course, you should apply yourself: give the application your full attention and best effort. As well, you should apply yourself:authenticity is important and appreciated.
Scholarship selection committees read many applications and essays and quickly learn how to weed out the genuine from contrived responses. Consider what makes you unique and how you might stand out as an applicant and communicate that honestly. Have you overcome some difficulty that informs your character? Is there an experience you might share that says something about who you are? One of the best essays I've read started out with the phrase, "The last thing I wanted to do was apply for this scholarship." The applicant parlayed that into an essay on valuing hard work. Her hard work paid off: she got the scholarship award.
Now that college applications are in, scholarships may not be every student's first concern; but they should be. The application season has arrived. And based on the statistics, you won't be the only one out there vying for funding support. Get a head start on your scholarship search by using the resources listed on our website atwww.MnMasonicCharities.org/scholarships.html. And don't forget to apply the five rules above! I hope to see your application soon.
