Scholarship applications are such a daunting yet rewarding task. If you’re pursuing higher education, you know what I mean when I say the STRESS is REAL. I definitely felt it during my senior year of high school. Along the way, however, I found ways to manage all the deadlines and figured others could benefit from the same tips. With that, here’s my tried-and-true Student’s Guide to Scholarship Applications.
1. Spreadsheets are your best friend.
When you’ve reached the point of completing scholarship applications, you’ve reached the point of keeping track of your own deadlines. Before you start the scholarship search, create a simple spreadsheet that you can fill in with information as you go. Trust me, you’ll keep coming back to it.
Here are the categories I listed in mine:
- Scholarship Name
- Deadline
- Amount
- Applied through… (scholarship website, program name, etc. if applicable)
- Link (if needed)
- Essay?
- Earned it?
- Renewable?
- Date when a scholarship winner will be chosen (I didn’t include this in mine but often found myself wondering this throughout the waiting process)
You can find my PDF template with the categories listed above HERE.
2. Use that spreadsheet to determine the best use of your time.
Some scholarship applications honestly only take 5 minutes; others require a 500-750 word essay for $500. Those of the latter group aren’t often worth it. Unless you’re bored with extra time on your hands, just let these ones pass by. *insert Jack Sparrow meme here, lol*
Let’s say you’ve got 3 scholarships with the same deadline, all requiring an essay. The essays don’t overlap, and you only have time to do one. Which one do you prioritize? The information on your spreadsheet can help you determine which amount of effort might result in the best return-on-investment.
Rule of thumb: if you’ve chosen a college, start with the scholarships specifically pertaining to that school. Next, move on to local / high school organization / club scholarships. You’re a shoe-in for both of these types. Therefore, you want to give yourself a fighting chance with early timing.
3. Create accounts on legit websites & Sign up for the email reminders.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a guide to scholarship applications if I didn’t include this disclaimer. If a scholarship website looks sketchy or asks for too much personal information, look up reviews first. Ask a high school counselor or mentor to help you find legit websites. Once you find some apps you’d like to go for, sign up for email reminders. If additional items or deadlines are required later, you’ll be glad for the reminder in the middle of the hectic.
Here’s my favorite go-to scholarship website with MULTIPLE scholarship applications you can check out (not sponsored): https://myscholarshipcentral.org/
4. Always shoot for the Early Action deadlines.
No student’s guide to scholarship applications – or applications of any kind – would be complete without this point. Sometimes, a mere deadline is the thing that sets you apart from other applicants. If you have to complete a scholarship app anyway, try to have it done by “First Priority” or “Early Action” deadlines. (This applies to college application deadlines as well.)
5. Recycle your essays.
One of my BIGGEST pro-tips in my student’s guide to scholarship applications. Save all of your essays in a folder or Google drive. You never know when you’ll need a similar essay for something later, and you’ll be glad to have saved your work. Plus, pay special attention to generic essay topics – leadership, high school involvement, career plans, etc. You’d be surprised how many applications revolve around very similar questions. And if your essays are saved, it’s easy to make slight modifications!
6. Look for wacky scholarships.
It takes almost no time to do a google, Pinterest, or scholarship website search for opportunities, and you wouldn’t believe some of the wacky ones they have out there! One of my favorites that I’ve come across is the Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship; it literally asks for your basic information and your plan for surviving a zombie takeover at your school. Like, what?! Talk about easy money (if it’s awarded to you). Plus, you’re not losing anything by applying, and it’s good to throw some fun into the tedious scholarship application process.
Note: Just make sure that these websites are legit before you put in personal information.
After high school, scholarship applications become easier. You’ll likely earn some renewable scholarships, which you’re already familiar with. In addition, the amount of deadlines you have to keep track of significantly lowers. So just know that while the stress may be real now, it gets easier along the way. You got this!
If you know another stressed high school junior or senior taking on scholarship applications, share these tips with them! Personalize your approach to fit your goals. Try the methods in this Student’s Guide to Scholarship Applications, and see what works best. You’re just one step closer to future success!
For more information on Scholarships as financial aid, check out this Department of Education article: Finding and Applying for Scholarships | Federal Student Aid.
Feeling confident with this step? Check out my OTHER insider-guides to the next steps in professionalism and education. A personal favorite? Here’s my 5 First Interview Tips. Thanks for reading!
