Applying for Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students who challenge and prove themselves throughout high school. Scholarships have different requirements and criteria for selection including: grade point average, ACT/SAT score, or financial need. They may also award students based on their background, talents or community service. When applying for scholarships, read the requirements of each application carefully and complete each application as specified. Apply to all scholarships you feel you may qualify for.

Applying for Scholarships:

1. Request at least three letters of recommendation- one personal and two academic recommendations. You can ask your teachers, counselors, employers, pastors, coaches, community service coordinator or someone where you may have volunteered. If it is appropriate for you to ask a family member to write a letter of recommendation for you, this should be indicated on the scholarship application. Points to be covered in a personal recommendation:

• Your life goals
• Planning skills
• Personal qualities
• Special skills
• Reliability
• Community service
• Ability to set goals
• Relevant family circumstances

Points to be covered in the academic recommendation:

• Success in academics
• Academic awards
• Good attendance
• Classroom participation
• Community service
• Quality of work
• Planning skills
• Academic goals

2. Prepare a personal essay or statement. Many scholarship applications will require an essay. Make sure you address the issues that the application asks. If there are no guidelines for the essay, you can write about your career goals, interests, why you would like to receive this particular scholarship, and how you plan to use your college education. *Have at least two people edit your essay. *Proofread your essay.

Submit your application before the deadline. Many students lose their opportunity for scholarships because they don't submit their application by the deadline.

Submit a complete application. It is your responsibility to submit everything the scholarship committee asks for. If you submit an incomplete application, they may not consider it.