Useful Tips
The Application
- Start by making copies of the application so that you have some rough drafts from which to work.
- Apply early. Follow all deadlines given, but do not wait until the last minute to submit your application.
- Be honest. Always be honest in your representation of yourself and your achievements.
- Only apply if you meet the scholarships minimum criteria. Do not waste your time or the donors time if you are not eligible.
- If you cannot complete your application online, then it is best to type it using standard font types like Times New Roman or Arial. You want your application to look as neat as possible. If your evaluators cannot read your application easily, then it will most likely be eliminated.
- Put your name on every page of your application, essays, and any other materials that you submit. You should also number the pages, where appropriate. This way if any of your papers get misplaced or out of order, the evaluators will be able to put it back together and still have a complete application for you.
- Answer every question. By leaving a space blank, it will appear that you over looked it or that you chose not to answer it.
- Check for typos!!! This alone could disqualify an application. Do not rely on spell check to do it all. Spell check can catch a lot of things, but it does not save you from all errors. It can be difficult to objectively evaluate your own work. Your mind often reads what you intended to write, not what you actually wrote. Enlist the help of some friends or instructors to proof read your entire application before you submit it.
Presentation: Putting It All Together
- Place all of your documents in an envelope in the order that they were requested. This makes your application easier to review. This also helps you to double check that you have included all of the necessary papers.
- Do not add documents to your application packet. Doing so will give the impression that you know more about what the committee wants than they do and can often disqualify your application. Additional materials make your application harder for the reviewers to handle and it may increase your applications chance of elimination. To get your application noticed, it is best to submit what was requested of you in a neat, organized, and professional manner.
- Make sure that the envelope you use allows you do submit a flat application. You do not want to fold your application. A folded application looks sloppy and can be cumbersome for reviewers to handle.
- You may choose to send your application Return Receipt Requested or to use a delivery service so that you can make sure that your application was received by the donor.
- Do not staple documents, but use paperclips or binder clips. The reviewers will most likely need to make copies of your application and this will make it easier for them.
- Do not use special folders or covers.
- Follow all of the directions to the letter. They have taken the time to spell it out for you exactly what they want to receive, so it is in your best interest not to deviate from it.
- Make a copy of your completed application for your file.
- Remember: Your application needs to be professional and able to get the reader interested in who you are and what you have to say. The application that you submit represents who you are, so make a good impression!
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