Every autumn, I get asked to visit local high schools to provide Grade 11 and 12 students and their parents with information on how to find sources of funding to pay for the impending expenses of their higher education. The reality is, it will cost students $10,000 to $20,000 for each year of their higher education, and the average amount of debt undergraduates are saddled with after a four-year degree is about $24,000*.

Students’ (but especially parents’) reactions to these figures usually creates great interest in hearing how to land some “free money” – scholarships, awards, bursaries and other prizes geared toward students. Here are the top tips we offer students in our Scholarships 101 presentation:

1. Passion for the Subject - Only apply for an award if you actually have an interest in the subject matter. Your passion or disinterest will be reflected in your writing.

2. Research - Do the appropriate background work and find out exactly what a specific scholarship panel is looking for.  Read the rules and regulations/terms and conditions. 

3. Clarity of Thought - Be clear and concise. “How” you communicate is just as important as “what” you’re trying to communicate. Answer any essay questions and only provide relevant information. Do not go over the word limit count – some of your best work will be deleted if you do! 

4. Not a Résumé!  - Your scholarship application essay is not a substitute for your résumé so don’t simply re-write your résumé in essay form. Don’t list, discuss!  Expand on your personal experience and clearly articulate your goals.

5. Structure, Spelling & Grammar - Be aware of proper essay structure. Always double-check your spelling and grammar and have someone proof read your work.

6. References - References should be professionals at your school or organization who can vouch for your participation.  Inform your references and make sure that their contact information is up-to-date. Assume that the scholarship administrator will check your references. 

7. Complete All Requirements - Follow the instructions and make sure that you have collected and provided all the required materials. Making a checklist of all the elements will help. 

8. Don’t miss the application deadline and apply early - Don’t procrastinate. Give yourself plenty of time to fill out the application and to gather required documents (reference letters and transcripts).

Students can register at www.studentawards.com to be matched up with thousands of hard-to-find scholarships, awards and bursaries that will fit their unique personal profile. Hundreds of other tips and tricks to success in higher education can also be found there. Plus, there are thousands of other students in conversations and sharing advice within the Studentawards Forum.

*Based on Studentawards annual member survey, “Who’s the poorest of them all?”

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Emimonte wrote:	Would you help me to see where I can get international scholarsips, I would go to study culinary arts to Italy. thanks Posted on Jan 24, 2012 at 07:57

 

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