5 Things to Do Before You Apply for Scholarships

For students applying for scholarships, it can be hard to make sense of the unwritten rules and guidelines at times. However, with proper guidance, you can navigate the submissions process with confidence. Maximizing your chances of a successful application involves careful preparation and attention to detail, and although each scholarship is different, there are some universal practices that can help save you time and stress.

At the OVC Scholarship Network, we want to see students succeed in higher education. In addition to our directory of verified scholarships, we provide helpful resources and information for students looking for information about how to cover college expenses.

1. Understand What You're Eligible For

Many scholarships have different eligibility criteria that not all students will qualify for. Common eligibility requirements may relate to:

• Household income limits
• Field of study
• Grade point average
• Extracurriculars

Additionally, you may be able to find scholarships that serve a specific demographic. It may also be worth looking into scholarships with a narrower focus; for instance, there are scholarships for single parents, military veterans, and even first responders.

No matter what scholarship you apply to, be sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully. If you overlook the specific criteria, you may end up wasting precious time on an application that will end up automatically rejected.

2. Gather Your Academic and Financial Information

When you start applying to multiple scholarships, it may prove useful to keep certain documents easily accessible. Some of these documents may include your academic transcripts, acceptance letters, proof of household income, resume, FAFSA confirmation, and statements of financial need. Keeping a folder containing these documents – whether physical or on your computer – can save you time as you apply for multiple scholarships.

3. Prepare a Strong Personal Statement

Although questions may vary from scholarship to scholarship, it may be helpful to have a strong personal statement prepared. This statement might address your key accomplishments, your goals in life, how you overcame a period of hardship in your life, and your identity. Even if the scholarship question differs from what you have written, you may be able to incorporate parts of your prepared statement in your response, giving you a strong foundation to work with.

4. Ask for Recommendation Letters Early

Letters of recommendation are a common requirement for many scholarships. These should come from trusted authority figures in your life who can vouch for your character or skills, such as teachers, coaches, or employers.

It may take a long time to receive a formal letter of recommendation after a request. During the school year, teachers may end up writing letters of recommendation for several students upon request. As such, it pays to request these letters well in advance of the scholarship deadline to avoid issues coming up at the last minute.

5. Stay Organized and Track Deadlines

When applying to multiple scholarships, it may be easy to forget some of the smaller details. Keeping some system of organization such as a spreadsheet can help you stay ahead of deadlines or track when a scholarship opens for submissions. A spreadsheet may also be useful for noting which scholarships you have already applied for so that you can avoid duplicate submissions.

Reach Out to Us With Scholarship Questions

Due diligence and preparation can go a long way before you start sending out scholarship applications. For more information about the application process, see our pages about scholarship tips and how to find scholarships.

The OVC Scholarship Network is a resource for students from all backgrounds looking to fund their college education. If you have any more questions about our directory or what we do, reach out to us at 630-517-2702 or contact us online.