SCHOLARSHIP TIPS- COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID IN APPLICATIONS

Due to the fact that the cost of tuition fees have skyrocketed and long-term impact of student loan debt, many students encounter several difficulties when they look for ways to pay for the fees and other living expenses. It is the reason why students consider scholarships as being one of the best sources for getting financial aid. However, scholarships are not just given to anyone in need despite his or her poor/underprivileged background, they are earned and scholarship committees normally follow a thorough application review process. Thinking about securing a scholarship award is easy, winning it is a different thing altogether. I have gathered some of the common mistakes by students that I believe will be helpful and keep you focused in your scholarship applications.


 


 These common mistakes are:



1. Not meeting Application Deadlines: The worst mistake you can possibly make is forgetting a deadline. If you miss the deadline then there is almost no way your scholarship application will be processed. Your first question when researching a new scholarship should be when is the scholarship deadline? Did I absolutely send in the application before the deadline? You should get in the application well in advance and then confirm receipt of application with the scholarship provider administrator.

2. Not following instructions: Some scholarships may require you to go through a couple tedious tasks before you are even considered. This may seem useless and off topic but it is important to realize that these requirements are put in place to help find them find best candidates. If they ask for transcripts to be provided in a certain format, make sure you do. If they require two references don't submit just one or don't submit three because you want to submit and extra one. Don't let the review committee find a reason to exclude you, you are already ahead of the game if you follow their instructions.  

3. Applying for every scholarship/Using the “spray and pray” method. Many students believe applying to every scholarship under the sun will enable them to win an award. While this approach may increase the volume of scholarship applications you submit, it doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of winning.

Instead, you should focus on applying for as many scholarships as possible that play to your strengths. For example, artists should look for scholarships that enable them to showcase their creative abilities; students that are involved in community service should focus on awards that allow you to discuss your dedication. Whatever the case, search for scholarships that you feel will confidently let your passions shine.

4.  Submitting a standard Essay for Every Scholarship/Thinking your essay is “one size fits all.” You wouldn’t turn in the same homework assignment for every class, so don’t think it’s okay to use the same essay for every scholarship you apply for, providers read lots of essays when reviewing applicants, and submitting a generic cookie-cutter paper is a sure-fire way to go unnoticed.

If you are applying for scholarships with similar essay requirements, find the most important points you want to discuss. Use those points across all of your applications but craft your individual entries around those elements in a way that will resonate with each specific provider.

The uniqueness is the key, and the first point to remember when you pick up your pen to write. Make your scholarship application essay exclusive to you, personalize it, delve deep into your passion and drive to study your subject, and create a response that could only ever relate to you. It is this individuality that stands out, and that’s exactly what catches a judge’s eye and defines a winner.

5. Not proofreading. Competition for scholarships is fierce, and simple errors can be enough to swing the odds out of your favor.

Make sure you have a parent, teacher, friend, or counselor review your application and essay before you submit it. Likewise, make sure YOU give your work a double check and reevaluate what you have written. 

6. Submitting an incomplete form. Along the lines of proofreading your essay, you should always review the scholarship’s instructions to ensure you are not forgetting anything. Some scholarships request supplemental paperwork like reference letters or transcripts, and if you forget to include these kinds of documents your application will be considered incomplete, regardless of how well written it is.

7. Inattentive or Uninspiring Writing

Not all students have good creative writing skills. However, that does not mean that you cannot submit a well-written application and essay. Unfortunately, some students focus on getting the essay out of the way as soon as possible. Others pick a vague or uninspiring subject for their essay. Some students even write with a complete lack of enthusiasm on their part.

What to do,start by picking a topic that answers the question asked. Then, identify the main points of the essay, keeping your audience in mind. Thereafter, start writing the essay creatively and with enthusiasm.

Let your essay paint a picture for the reader. Above all though, ensure that you stick to the word count specified.

8. Letting your grades slip. There are certain types of scholarships known as “renewable scholarships” that allow students to receive award money every year (sometimes every semester). The catch is that in order to qualify for the scholarship year after year, you must meet certain eligibility requirements—most of the time one of those requirements is to maintain a certain grade point average. If you let your GPA slip, there’s a possibility that your scholarship can be revoked. Remember, keeping your grades up doesn’t just affect your class ranking—it can also cost you tuition.

9. Forgetting to check your email. If a scholarship application asks you to include an email address there’s a good reason behind it—they’ll most likely contact you via email if you’re selected as a winner. There’s nothing worse than taking the time to research, prepare, and labor over a scholarship application only to find out you forfeited it because you didn’t claim it in time. When applying for scholarships, make sure to check your email on a regular basis and keep track of scholarship deadlines so you have an idea of when the winners will be announced.

Remember, winning a scholarship takes hard work and perseverance, but it is possible. Following these tips may not guarantee you’re awarded some free tuition funds, but keeping them in mind will put you leaps ahead of your fellow competitors. If you have more tips you can share in the comments space below.

ALL THE BEST IN YOUR APPLICATIONS.

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