Tips for Receiving Scholarhips

1. Start searching for scholarships as soon as possible. Don’t wait until spring of your senior year in high school to start searching, or you’ll miss half the deadlines. There are many scholarships available to students in grades 9, 10 and 11, not just high school seniors. There are even scholarships for students in grades K-8. Continue searching for scholarships even after you are enrolled in college.

2. Apply only if you are eligible.

3. Make sure you submit a clean, neat and completed application.

4. Apply to every scholarship for which you are eligible. Pursue less competitive scholarships, such as small awards and essay contests, since they are easier to win and the money adds up and helps you win bigger scholarships.

5. Don’t miss deadlines. Use a calendar and checklist to get organized.

6. Tailor your application to the sponsor’s goals. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

8. If you have difficulty writing essays, try recording yourself as you answer the question out loud, and transcribe the recording later. Most people can think and speak faster than they can write or type. Create an outline afterward to organize your thoughts.

9. Personalize your essay and be passionate. Write about something of interest to you. Make your application stand out from the crowd. Talk about your impact on other people. Give examples and be specific.

10. Google your name and make sure you have a professional online profile. Use a professional email address, such as firstname.lastname@gmail.com. Clean up the content of your Facebook account, removing inappropriate and immature material.

11. Proofread a printed copy of your essay and the application for spelling and grammar errors.

12. Make a photocopy of your application before mailing it. Send the application by certified mail, return receipt requested or with delivery confirmation.

Download the STEP UP UTAH Scholarship Toolkit