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Scholarships: What To Do
Scholarships: What To Do
Scholarships are free money for college, trades, and training programs. Most are competitive. Student who win usually apply consistently and pick the scholarships that no one else does.
Step 1: Get Ready
Step 1: Get Ready
Before applying to scholarships, set yourself up:
Create an email address that you are okay with receiving spam email (not your school email)
Make a simple one-page resume - Naviance has a tool to help with this!
Write a base personal statement you can reuse and edit later
Ask two adults to be references. These should be people that know you really well.
Start a scholarship tracker to organize deadlines and applications
Have a copy of your transcript ready to upload - this is found in Skyward
Where to find Scholarships?
Where to find Scholarships?
Local Scholarships
Check College and Career Center
Google Search "Local Scholarships"
School-Posted Scholarships
Check College and Career Center
College or Trade Programs
Many schools and programs will offer scholarships for incoming students. Check out their websites and talk with representatives
Popular Websites
How to Apply?
How to Apply?
Read all requirements first
Make sure you relatively qualify - When no applicants exist it is possible to be awarded the scholarship
Add the deadline to your calendar (set a reminder one week before)
Write essays in a separate document first
Proofread carefully
Submit early if possible
Save confirmation (screenshot or email receipt)
Record the application in your scholarship tracker
Essays and Recommendation Letters
Essays and Recommendation Letters
Essays
Essays
Answer the prompt directly
Use real examples and specific experiences
Reuse your base essay, but customize it for each scholarship
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation Letters
Ask 2–3 weeks before the deadline
Give your recommender:
Scholarship name
Deadline
Instructions or submission method
Your resume or activity list
Deadlines and Time Goals
Deadlines and Time Goals
Many scholarships are due January through April, but some run all year.
Good application goals:
Minimum: 1–2 scholarships per month
Strong effort: 2–4 scholarships per month
Applying consistently is more effective than trying to do many at once.
Scholarship Tracker
Scholarship Tracker
Keep track of:
Scholarship name
Amount
Deadline
Requirements
Materials needed (essay, recommendation, transcript, etc.)
Date submitted
Result
Avoid Scholarship Scams
Avoid Scholarship Scams
Do not apply if:
You have to pay money to apply
You are asked for your Social Security number immediately
The scholarship promises guaranteed money
If you are unsure, check with the counseling office before applying.
How I can help
How I can help
I can help you:
I can help you:
Understand scholarship requirements
Review essay drafts (with advance notice)
Help you organize deadlines and materials
I cannot:
I cannot:
Write essays for you
Fix an entire application the day before it is due
When meeting with me, bring:
When meeting with me, bring:
The scholarship prompt
Your draft
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need straight A’s?
Do I need straight A’s?
No. Many scholarships focus on leadership, effort, career goals, community service, or financial need.
Is it worth applying for small scholarships?
Is it worth applying for small scholarships?
Yes. Smaller awards often have fewer applicants and can add up.
Can I apply if I don’t know where I’m going yet?
Can I apply if I don’t know where I’m going yet?
Often yes. Many scholarships only require that you plan to continue education after high school.
Can I use AI to help write essays?
Can I use AI to help write essays?
You can use tools to brainstorm or edit, but your essay still needs your real voice and real experiences.
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