University Counseling

Scholarship Tips

Once you have decided if there are scholarships that you might qualify for, use the following tips to help with your application.

• Many scholarship applications involve a lot of work. Are you eligible for the award in question? Read the criteria carefully and apply only if you meet the requirements.
• Read the entire application FIRST and plan your strategy. Are there essays required? What questions are asked? Do you need a resume or list of accomplishments, awards, extra-curricular activities? Be organized.
• Think about everything you have done in school and in your community and write a list of your accomplishments. Of particular importance are any awards, examples of community or school service (Works of Mercy), leadership roles (e.g. Are you a captain of a team?), sport and fine art activities. Note the years of your involvement and the approximate hours per month for each activity. This will help you complete parts of the application in an orderly way.
• Use concrete examples to support your application wherever possible. It's much better to be specific rather than vague. For example: if you are asked to outline your community service or leadership activities, if the space is available, describe what you did rather than simply list the activities.
• Ask for the required references well ahead of the due date. Most scholarship applications will have a Teacher/Personal reference form attached. Be specific in what you are asking for - if the application is for a leadership award - inform the teacher/coach, etc so that they can write the appropriate comments. If you leave this until the last minute - you will get a last minute reference and an annoyed referee!
• Be neat! Make a draft copy of the application and then transfer the information carefully and legibly. Have someone check spelling and grammar before you make a final copy.
• Watch deadlines carefully! Plan to have your application finished (everything in your hands) at least two weeks before the stated deadline. Bring the application to me in the Guidance Department and we will make any necessary copies, as well as a copy for your file - just in case anything goes astray. You are responsible for making sure all parts of your application arrive on time.
• Post your application at least 10 days before the deadline and be prepared to send it Express Post - this allows for insurance that your application can be tracked - this helps to alleviate the anxiety that comes after the application is in the mail and you're left wondering if it every got there.

Searching for Scholarships

All Universities have a home page and there is generally a link to their student awards - the key words might be - scholarships, money matters, financial aid, or student awards, etc. Be thorough as you search the websites.

www.studentawards.com

www.scholarshipscanada.com