Guidance Department

Top Ten Tips for Winning Scholarship Applications

-- by Kay Peterson

Ever wonder what the folks who award the scholarships want to see? Fast Web has polled scholarship providers across the country, asking for their tips on applying for scholarships.

Tip #1: Apply only if you are eligible.

Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully and make sure that you are eligible before you send in your application. Your application won't make one bit of difference if you aren't qualified to apply.

TIP #2: Complete the application in full.

Be sure to complete the entire application. If a question doesn't apply, note that on the application. Don't just leave it blank.

TIP #3: Follow directions.

Provide everything that is required. But don't supply things that aren't requested &emdash; you could be disqualified.

TIP #4: Neatness counts.

Make a couple of photocopies of all the forms you receive. Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet. And always type the application, or if you must print, do so neatly and legibly.

TIP #5: Make sure your essay makes an impression.

The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your experiences come alive: the 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' and 'when' of your topic. The simplest experience can be monumental if you present honestly how you were effected.

TIP #6: Watch all deadlines.

To help keep yourself on track, impose a deadline for yourself that is at least two weeks prior to the stated deadline. Use this 'buffer time' to proofread your application before you send it off.

If worse comes to worse, call the scholarship provider in advance and ask if it's possible to receive an extension. Don't just send the materials in late; the committee may refuse late applications. But don't rely on extensions &emdash; very few scholarship providers allow them at all.

TIP #7: Take steps to make sure your application gets where it needs to go.

Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet and keep it on file. If your application goes astray, you can always reproduce it quickly. Make sure your name (and social security number, if applicable) appears on all pages of the application. Pieces of your application may get lost unless they are clearly identified.

TIP #8: Give it a final 'once-over.'

Proofread the entire application carefully. Be on the lookout for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Ask a friend, teacher or parent to proofread it as well.

TIP #9: Ask for help if you need it.

If you have problems with the application, do not hesitate to call the funding organization.

TIP #10: Remember &emdash; your scholarship application represents you!

Your ability to submit a neat, timely, complete application reflects on you. It's your face to this organization. Take pride in yourself by submitting the best application you can.

Scam-Alert: Protect Yourself from Scholarship Scams

* by Kay Peterson

Guess what? You're a 'finalist' for a scholarship. And you never even applied! Too good to be true? Probably so.

The sad truth is, there are scammers out there &emdash; posing as scholarship providers or scholarship matching services &emdash; who take your money and leave you with nothing. The good news is, you can protect yourself from scholarship scams with a little knowledge and a little caution.

Know Your Scams

Scams come in many flavors, but there are a few typical moves you should be aware of:

• The phony scholarship: You receive a notice about a scholarship that promises you cash. All you need to do is pay the registration fee. So why not apply? Because there is no award. Or there is one small award used to lure you in.

• The phony scholarship matching service: Pay a fee, and they'll do all the work. They'll find information that you can't get anywhere else! Not only that, they will guarantee that you'll win. The outcome? You never hear from them again or (even more frustrating) you receive a list of inappropriate or defunct awards. And forget your-money back guarantee: the company is long gone.

• The phony educational loan: a low-interest loan in exchange for an up-front fee. You pay the fee, but never receive the loan.

• The phony free financial-aid seminar: A thinly disguised sales pitch for a bogus scholarship search or insurance offer.

Scam Warning Signs:

• The fee. Your best rule of thumb: financial aid should never cost you.

• Never invest anything beyond the cost of a postage stamp in your search for financial aid.

• The 'money-back guarantee' &emdash; especially if the company tries to 'guarantee' that you will win an award.

• Credit card verification. If they ask for a checking account or credit card number &emdash; for 'verification' or to 'confirm eligibility'- stop listening. Scammers use this ploy to get your financial information and then drain your account or run up charges on you credit card.

And remember: Don't be fooled by an 'official sounding' name. Just because a company uses words like 'National,' 'Federal,' 'Foundation' or 'Administration' in its title doesn't mean it is a legitimate operation.