SEARCHING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Step 1: Commit to following a scholarship search strategy or click here.

Step 2: Build a tool kit before you start your searches.

Prepare a one-page detailed, personal statement about yourself.
Prepare a follow-up letter.
Prepare thank you cards and personalize them.
Prepare a cover letter and resume.
Prepare a scholarship tracking worksheet in Excel. You must have Excel loaded on your computer to use this worksheet.
Pick one scholarship website from the list in the Financial Aid Handbook.
Open a free email account at http://www.hotmail.com/

Step 3: Access the website and complete the registration process.

Answer every question truthfully to maximize your scholarship opportunities.
Use the free hotmail account email address where you want to receive your search results.
Apply only for scholarships that have restrictions. If they are restricted then you maximize your opportunity to receive one. It really is a matter of numbers.
Apply! Apply! Apply!. Let's say 100 people apply for a scholarship that has no or few restrictions. Your chances of getting that scholarship are 100:1 or 1 percent. Let's say 40 people apply for a more restricted scholarship. Your chances of getting a more restricted scholarship are 40:1 or 2.5 percent. What types of scholarships are you going to apply for in this scenario? Avoid scholarships that most people may qualify for because your chances of getting a scholarship are reduced significantly.

Step 4: Record every scholarship application in the Scholarship Tracking Sheet (Requires MS Excel).

Record every piece of information in your Scholarship Tracking Sheet.
Complete all of the follow up steps exactly. Do not forget any step in this process.
Apply for as many scholarships as possible however 100 different scholarships with restrictions should yield at least one to four positive responses.

Step 5: Complete every step in the tracking process.

Complete each and every step in the tracking process according to the dates you recorded in your tracking sheet. Remember - "the early bird gets the worm".
Do not get discouraged if you get a rejection letter - get even. Persistence Pays! You never know when an organization will get new or additional funding and have to give it away.
Keep your name and personal story in front of the selection committee and you will have a better chance of getting noticed and getting a scholarship in the second round.