How to Fill Out Scholarship Applications
Every year, college applicants face the daunting task of completing lots of lengthy forms, such as those for admissions and financial aid. For many students, deciding which school to attend comes down to whether they are offered a scholarship, so it is important that they know how to fill out their scholarship applications.
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Instructions
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Read your applications. Every scholarship application is different, so read each one carefully to follow the instructions properly.
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Practice writing your personal statement. Stay as close to the essay guidelines as possible. If minimum or maximum word counts are required, make sure your essay meets them.
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Make sure your responses truly answer the questions. Focus on exactly what you are being asked, and keep your responses clear and concise.
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Back up your answers with specific examples. For instance, if the application asks you to describe your personality, don't just list personality traits; provide concrete examples that reveal your personality.
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Proofread your application and personal statement. If possible, have someone else look it over as well to help prevent errors.
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Make a copy of all of your application pages and personal statement. If your application is lost in the mail, having an extra copy will come in handy; otherwise, you may have to rewrite everything.
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Mail your scholarship applications at least two weeks before they are due. If possible, add delivery confirmation to your shipping so you can verify when your application was received.
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Tips & Warnings
Try to fit all of your information in the space provided on your application sheets. Although no rules prohibit continuance sheets, it is best to avoid using them, as the space provided indicates the amount of information admissions officers prefer.
Write or type your name on every page of your application and personal statement. This will help admissions officers locate your information if your application packet becomes detached.
Answer every question on your applications, even if they don't apply to you. Rather than leaving answers blank, use "N/A" for such questions. If answers are left blank, admissions officers may consider your application incomplete and disqualify you.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Suat Eman
