Tips for Applying for Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships, Grants, Financial Aid

By Keri Roberts, 6-12 Guidance Counselor

Applying for scholarships and grants can be an overwhelming process at times. Below are some tips for applying for scholarships and grants that I share with seniors each year. I am available during the school day to assist students with applying for scholarships/grants, which includes helping students search for scholarships and review their applications. If students would like to meet with me, they can set up a time to meet with me during school.

Applying for Scholarships and Grants

*Information adapted from:

Doing a little work early on can increase your chances for scholarships and grants.

  • Get involved in camps, clubs and organizations. Many local, regional and national groups offer scholarships to their members.
  • Research scholarships throughout high school. You're more likely to be prepared and in place to win if you start early.
  • Develop a well-rounded resume by being involved in activities and doing your best in school. Make sure to document your involvement and accomplishments in either a resume or activity list. This can often be attached to scholarships to strengthen your applications.

Learn the Criteria

Understand the exact qualifications each award is given for and why they are awarding money.

  • Scholarships are mainly given for a combination of factors, including: family heritage, religious affiliation, grades, hobbies, economic situation, leadership accomplishments, community involvement, school activities and athletics.

Get Organized

Keep track of your information, materials and various deadlines.

  • Follow the directions on the application.
  • You can use one copy as a rough draft and a separate one your final.

Be Professional

Don't ruin your chances by overlooking the details.

  • Use an e-mail address that you'd let your grandmother see (not ).
  • Type as much of the application as you can and use professional fonts.
  • If you write by hand, take your time and write very neat.
  • Answer every question; leave nothing blank.
  • Make your answers to the point.

Say the Right Things

Use this opportunity to bring your positives to the fore.

  • Give examples of why the committee should think you're the best choice for the award.
  • Be specific when you describe yourself. Instead of saying you're responsible, for example, share the roles and jobs you've held and what was involved.
  • Look at the bright side. If, for example, you aren't involved in any activities, you could discuss how you held down a job instead and what you learned by working.
  • Say you're glad for the opportunity and thank them for considering your application.

Passion is Key

Let your passion shine through your essay.

  • Writing about the passion that you have for your future major/career can make or break your essay. Describing what motivated you to choose your future career and why you are excited to make a difference.
  • Describing an experience you have had that inspired you or past/current experience you have had in the related career.
  • If you are undecided about your major, discuss what you motivates and inspires you. If you have an idea of potential careers, you can list a few examples.
  • If you are passionate about helping others and volunteering, describe what you do and why you are so passionate about helping and volunteering.

Wow Them

Write an essay you can be proud of.

  • Brainstorm ideas before you begin.
  • Create an outline.
  • Write an introduction that will make readers want to keep reading.
  • Show; don't tell. Use examples and stories to bring your writing to life.
  • Develop a theme to make your point.
  • Conclude smoothly. Write something that shows what you think.
  • Demonstrate that you've overcome challenges, but be upbeat and emphasize growth and strength.
  • The essay must be written by you, in your own words.
  • Donors can easily identify the difference between essays that have been quickly written vs well thought out. Quickly written essays are often thrown away and not considered.

Be Able to Explain Why You Deserve/Need the Scholarship

Describe your own financial need.

  • It is not enough to say that you need the scholarship to help pay for college and reduce the amount of loans you need....most students write this.
  • Give scholarship donors a window into your life.
  • i.e. do you have any special circumstances, any family members in college, any siblings still living at home, your dedication to be financially responsible
  • Explain how the scholarship would benefit you. For example: will your future career make it difficult to pay loans back, reducing college debt, ability to spend more time on academics, etc.

Get Some Backup

Use letters of recommendation to advantage.

  • Ask adults who know you well, but aren't related to you. For example: teachers, school administrators, counselors, employers, coaches, activity advisors, clergy members, community leaders, or someone in the field of study you plan to pursue.
  • When you ask someone to write you a letter of recommendation, give them a copy of your resume/activity list.
  • Get at least 3-5 letters, however the more the better.
  • Allow the people who are writing letters at least two weeks to finish them, and follow up with thank-you notes.
  • Make copies of the letters. You'll use them for additional award applications and maybe job applications. (Ask the references each time you use their letter or name.)

Check It Twice

Make sure typos or sloppy work doesn't trip you up.

  • Proofread your essay and application.
  • Have at least one other person proofread them too.

Follow Up

Use your manners and get the details.

  • Send a thank-you note to the committee or donor.
  • Inform colleges you've applied to about any award you receive.
  • If you receive an award, check with the organization to find out whether the award is renewable, and if you need to maintain a certain grade point average or meet other requirements to keep it.