Plan ahead; don't lose out by missing a deadline. Start your scholarship search early, many deadlines pass much earlier than the school year starts.

• Develop a list of your best scholarship prospects.
• Make a timeline with the deadlines for each scholarship and post it where you'll see it every day. Request or download copies of each application.
• Make a checklist of requirements for each.
• Order academic transcripts now.  Complete your FAFSA (or Dreamer Application) early so a need analysis can be conducted. 
• Ask for letters of recommendations early and allow sufficient time for reference providers to complete your letter.
• Write a general essay outline that you can later tailor to each scholarship you apply to, and remember to save your scholarship essays.  
• Some may find that organizing a portfolio is a good way to stay organized.
• Buy an accordion file folder and use the dividers to organize your scholarship application materials by documents, scholarship applications, essays, and letters of reference.
• Keep searching for good prospects and add new files for every scholarship possibility.

The essay is the most important part of any scholarship application. This is your chance to make your application stand out. Make the most of it!

Step 1: Use an outline to organize your thoughts.

• Hook readers early and make them care about you.
• Write a short and powerful paragraph expressing the theme of your essay.
• Address every question asked

Step 2: Write your essay.

• Focus on the question or topic requested.
• Be honest, but make your strengths shine.
• Follow essay instructions when provided.
• Be mindful of word limits, and stay within that limit.
• Answer each question clearly.
• Tell a compelling story that shows who you are and why you deserve this scholarship.  You want to sell you! Some ideas to think about:
• What makes you a good investment?.
• What obstacles have you overcome?.
• What is your family history?.
• What are your educational and career plans and goals?.
• How will this scholarship help you accomplish these goals?

Step 3: Review and edit your essay.

• Standard font size and spacing margins.
• Use language used in the question.
• Use active verb form and descriptive language.
• Be specific (early childhood education, not "education").
• Proofread for grammar and punctuation more than once.
• Don't rely on spell check!.
• Ask a friend or instructor to review your essay to make sure it is clear and concise

Asking for help can be difficult. However, typically your professor, employer, or colleague will be very pleased to do what they can to help with your scholarship search. Unless the scholarship application specifically advises against it, or requests that no additional materials be forwarded, don't hesitate to include a strong letter of reference!

• Carefully select the person.
• Consider the particular scholarship requirements and select someone who can speak to your accomplishments or what makes you unique.
• Ask a professor, mentor, supervisor, colleague, or associate in your community or volunteer work.
• Help them help you- make sure they are given all the information they need.
• Provide any information about you and your future plans as they pertain to the scholarship.
• Provide email addresses, or a stamped and addressed envelope if the letter is to be sent directly to the scholarship, also make sure they know who to address the letter to.
• Provide ample time- this is critical! Allow 4-6 weeks for your references to write the letter.
• Let them know when the letter is due.
• Lastly, remember to write them a thank you letter and keep them updated on your scholarships.