Top 5 Strategies for Winning a $70,000 Scholarship
College is becoming increasingly expensive, and many students are looking for ways to offset the cost. One of the best ways to do this is through scholarships. With the average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year college now exceeding $10,000 per year, securing a scholarship can make a significant financial difference. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 strategies for winning a $70,000 scholarship.
1. Start with a good essay
Most scholarship applications require an essay as part of the process. When writing your essay, focus on your passions, your experiences, and how you plan to use your education to make a difference. Be sincere, authentic, and use your own voice. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Make sure you carefully read and follow the essay prompt, too. A powerful essay can be the difference between winning and losing a scholarship.
2. Get great references
Most scholarship applications will require references from teachers, coaches, mentors, or employers. Choose people who can speak to your character, skills, and accomplishments. When you ask for a reference, be sure to ask if they’re comfortable writing you a strong letter of recommendation. And always make sure you send a follow-up thank-you note afterwards.
3. Perfect your grades
While straight-A’s aren’t required for every scholarship, they can certainly help. Moreover, it shows your dedication to your education and your work ethic. If you’re struggling in a particular subject or have a low GPA, consider getting a tutor or attend study groups. If you have lower grades due to extraneous circumstances, make sure to explain why in your essay.
4. Get involved in extracurricular activities
Scholarship committees want to see that you’re a well-rounded individual. A high school student who spends time volunteering for a homeless shelter, for instance, demonstrates their dedication, compassion, and time-management skills. Whatever your extracurricular activities are, don’t focus only on what it looks like on your scholarship application, but how you’ve grown from your involvement.
5. Apply broadly
One of the common mistakes that students make is not applying enough. Don’t just apply for the top-tier scholarships; instead, apply broadly with as many scholarships as possible. This increases your chances of winning because there are more opportunities available. Don’t be intimidated by the application process or criteria to apply for scholarships that you feel your profile will fit, but also understand that the more scholarship applications you do complete, the likelier you are to win at least one.
Conclusion
Winning a scholarship can seem mystifying: sometimes it feels like all the luck is on someone else’s side. However, by using these strategies of writing a good essay, getting great references, perfecting your grades, getting involved in extracurricular activities, and applying broadly, you can improve your chances to succeed. Be confident and authentic in your scholarship applications – you never know where your dedication and passion can take you.
