Do your research

- There are tons of scholarships available based on academic merit, athletic ability, and artistic talent. Some scholarships are more specific; geared towards minorities, people from a certain religious background, or people with specific interests. Scholarships exist for almost everything you can think of- greeting cards, dancing, duck calling (yes, duck calling!) Think about your hobbies and conduct research online to see which companies and organizations offer scholarships. Remember, the broader the category, the more competitive it will be.

The application process

- Once you have compiled a list of scholarships you would like to apply to, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. In order to be applicable, some scholarships require you to be from a certain state or a certain age. Some scholarships require you to fill out an application, write an essay, include a transcript and reference letters. Remember to make note of the scholarship deadline so you can plan your time accordingly.

Writing the essay

- Many scholarships require you to write an essay explaining why you are a qualified recipient. Maybe you’re not a 4.0 student, but you work at the local supermarket after school to help your parents with the bills. Oh, and you volunteer at the church during the holidays serving meals to the needy. Remember, these responsibilities speak volumes about your character; more so than a perfect transcript.

Reviewing your essay

- Ask yourself: If you were on the scholarship committee reading this essay, would it be compelling enough for you to issue an award? Make sure your essay addresses all the points that are being asked. Another helpful tip would be to go on the scholarship website and browse through essays of previous winners to get inspiration and an idea of what a “winning” essay looks like.

Getting feedback

- Before sending out your scholarship application, have it proofread by a third party to see if any changes or improvements can be made. You have been writing and re-writing your essay for weeks, so you might not notice which areas are stronger than others. Having another set of eyes critique your work can help generate new ideas and improve the overall content. This is a great opportunity to see if your thoughts on paper are easily understood by someone else.