For any student, obtaining a scholarship can be a huge milestone in their academic career. Whether it’s a high school scholarship or a university scholarship, earning one enhances your resume, giving you an edge long before you enter the job market.
In the US, the average tuition fee has increased by nearly $410 for public schools and $800 for private ones, and scholarships can significantly ease this financial burden.
However, with so many scholarship options available for students, how do you know which one is right for you? If you have been asking the same question, then this article is for you. Keep reading to find the answer.
1. Identify the goal
Before you start writing a lengthy statement of purpose (SOP) for your scholarship, you need to have a goal in mind. But before that, you must identify the scholarships that you can qualify for and the total amount of money that you’ll be eligible for.
For this, start by evaluating your total Cost of Attendance (COA) for every year of college. Remember, every college has a different method of calculating their COA, and many will have their own COA calculator on the college website.
Next, you have to reduce this amount by the total financial aid that you expect to receive. The leftover amount is what you’ll need to earn in the form of scholarships to cover tuition fees, books, and other things.
Note: The financial aid is variable, depending on the terms and conditions of each school.
2. Do your research
Most students apply for all the scholarships they can lay their hands on, which makes their chances of success quite slim.
Remember, it’s better to apply for five scholarships where you’re a strong candidate rather than blindly submitting applications to dozens of scholarships that aren’t a good fit.
Make a comprehensive list of all the scholarships that match your current skills, abilities, and interests. Focus on opportunities that closely match your academic goals and background, and it will naturally boost your odds.
This approach will save you time and increase your chances, as these niche scholarships typically have fewer applicants, giving you a higher probability of success.
For an extra edge, you can enroll in online schools in Los Angeles platforms. They will connect you with world-class professionals and experts in your chosen subjects and streams. With their custom guidance, you will boost your chances of landing the best scholarships.
3. Start early and stay on top of deadlines
Even though there’s no official advantage for early applicants, there are many implied benefits. Applying early can give you more time to carefully prepare your application, ensure all necessary documents are submitted, and avoid last-minute stress.
If you’re scared of missing a deadline, start by creating a personalised calendar or spreadsheet that lists all the important details of the scholarships and put reminders for each of their last date of application.
Fill out the relevant forms and submit them well before the deadline without compromising on the quality of work.
You can also break down the process into smaller, more manageable tasks to stay on track.
4. Refine your profile
Just as it’s important to refine your search for scholarships, it’s equally important to refine your profile to speed up the process.
Keep an updated resume handy at all times so that you don’t need to fill in the basic details and only make relevant changes. Your resume needs to list down your most significant and recent achievements, awards, extracurriculars, and relevant job experience.
For example, if you wish to apply to any specific scholarship program, you have to focus on the relevant skillset that they require.
5. Make your essay compelling
Most scholarships will ask you to submit an essay, also known as a statement of purpose, to understand better why you’ll be a good fit in their program. A well-written essay or SOP can be your golden ticket to securing a scholarship.
Start by brainstorming ideas and unique experiences that will highlight your aspirations and personal values. Don’t forget to encircle back to your course and purpose of study in the school or university you’re applying to.
You can also use vivid storytelling and concrete examples that establish you as a visionary.
6. Create a keyword search
Many scholarship search engines fail to show you great opportunities, which is why you must understand the science of keyword searches.
If you’re an athlete, you can search for a specific set of keywords like “scholarship for athletes” or “basketball scholarship.”
Using quotation marks around these keywords emphasizes the specific scholarships you want to find, ensuring the search engine returns only the most relevant results.
However, keyword search alone won’t help you out. You must also enroll in accredited online high school programs where you can get coached by world-famous mentors and be the best fit for the scholarships.
Conclusion
The hunt for a scholarship may seem tedious, but it will surely be worth it when you finally hold it in your hands. If you feel overwhelmed or drained, don’t hesitate to reach out to other professionals who have either gone through this process or have obtained one. Their experiences and advice can offer valuable insights, guidance, and encouragement to keep you motivated and on track.
