8 Tips to Improve Your Chances for College Scholarships

Earning college scholarship money is one way to help pay for college. Although the concept of getting a full ride is appealing, the competition is tough. Not all scholarship opportunities cover full tuition or room and board, but often students can piecemeal scholarship and grant money with student loans, contributions from parents and personal savings plans with financial awards to come up with the money. If you are a high school or college student seeking college money, you’ll need to convince these organizations and foundations that you are the best candidate for an award. There are a number of ways to do this. Here are 10 tips to improve your chances or college scholarships.

1. Apply – You can’t win a scholarship if you don’t apply. Procrastination can be a nemesis for many high school students, but taking the time to fill out applications, write essays and meet the deadlines is a stepping stone to earning college money.

2. Follow Instructions – If you don’t follow the application instructions, your information will probably not even be considered. Meet the deadlines. Provide the information requested. Make sure you are eligible.

3. Community Service – Organizations that help others like students who help others. Take some time during junior high and high school to perform community service. Join volunteer organizations. Keep track of your activities and, if possible, make copies of certifications and any awards received for participation.

4. Essay – The essay is one of the most important parts of any scholarship or grant application. It tells the judges who you are and why you are worthy of their consideration. Be creative. Be honest. Write well.

5. Activities – Academic excellence is very important for most college scholarships, but it isn’t everything. Schools and organizations want to associate themselves with people who are involved in the community and have something to contribute to society. Get involved in school clubs and in extracurricular activities in your community.

6. Grades
Your grade point average can make the difference between winning and losing academic scholarships. Not only are the types of classes and grades in them important, but everything on a high school transcript is scrutinized. High grades coupled with a good behavioral record will attract attention.

7. Connections
There are often opportunities available for award money through local companies, groups and organizations. Children and grandchildren of members or employees are eligible for these special interest scholarships.

8. Affiliations
Certain social, community and church groups also offer related hobby, ethnic, religious scholarship opportunities for students with those affiliations. Proof or eligibility may be required to obtain applications.