Have you ever wondered if scholarship winners have secrets to winning? There are certainly ways to increase your odds.
Check out the following seven “C’s” – which are ways that you can increase your chances of
winning college scholarships.
1. Content
There’s plenty of content detailing directions of how to successfully apply for scholarships. Such content exists in resources like books, testimonials of winners, and websites, like Fastweb. Utilize this information to create your own road map for winning awards.
2. Commitment
Applying for scholarships is a numbers game. The more you apply to, the better your chances of winning. Unfortunately, it's difficult at times to
win a scholarship and not everyone is guaranteed to win.
But people really do win, often through our site, and Fastweb’s
Wall of Fame proves it. Most of these winners will tell you that it's vital that you never give up applying – because then you're guaranteed to never win one.
3. Communicate
Let others around you know that you’re looking for scholarships, as well as opportunities to gain experiences that scholarship providers will value.
Let your teachers, mentors and guidance counselors know so that they can provide letters of recommendation to include within your applications.
4. Causes
Take opportunities to volunteer for causes you’re passionate about. It looks great to scholarship providers, and if it’s a cause you’re really passionate about, you’ll also likely stick with it longer.
If you’re a student that cares about issues and are committed to making a difference in the world, scholarship providers are more likely to notice and value your contributions.
5. Create
If opportunities aren't presenting themselves, create them. If you’re interested in something and your school doesn't have a club for it already – start one. Taking initiative looks great and, if you’re passionate enough to create the opportunity, you will likely enjoy participating in it.
It also helps show scholarship providers that you’re willing to take on leadership roles when necessary.
6. Compliment
When it comes to scholarship applications, don’t be afraid to toot your own horn! Your achievements are something to be proud of and something providers should absolutely be aware of.
Remember, each achievement gives you an extra edge and will help distinguish you from the competition.
7. Curriculum
Try to balance out your curriculum by taking a mix of more and less challenging courses. Remember, a lot of scholarships do take your grade point average into consideration!
If you balance your courses, you’re much more likely to be able to maintain a higher GPA since your coursework will be manageable.
Translating the 7 C's to Scholarship Applications
If you follow the seven C's listed above, you've created a great framework for yourself as a scholarship candidate. Sponsors will see that you're a self-starter who is motivated to seeing everything through. The way you handle yourself throughout the application process needs to reflect that too.
Don't wait until the last minute to start a scholarship application. Keep careful track of deadlines as well as which components will be needed for each application. Notify mentors, coaches and counselors weeks ahead of time that you need a letter of recommendation or transcript.
Be formal and polite when communicating with scholarship providers, whether that's over the phone, email or during a video interview. If you have questions, don't be afraid to reach out and ask them directly. When it comes to winning
scholarships, it's not safe to assume anything. So ask questions. Finally, thank scholarship committees for the opportunity to even apply.
Before you submit your application, proofread everything. It would be awful to lose out on a scholarship when you may be the perfect candidate on paper, but you've actually made several mistakes on your application. Let a trusted family member, counselor or teacher look it over it as well; a second pair of eyes will only help!
Again, let your scholarship application, and the way you conduct yourself throughout the process, reflect the kind of student and applicant you are. Selection committees want to find applicants that are representative of their core values and mission; prove to them that you're the right candidate.
