Tips for Applying for Scholarships
Don’t let the process of applying for scholarships and grants intimidate you. Here are some things you should know about applying for scholarships, which should make the process easier:
- Review and make sure you meet the criteria. Focus on appropriate scholarships by their due dates.
- Research past scholarship winners by looking online at biographies of previous winners, to understand the type of person who receives that scholarship.
- Create a scholarship checklist. Keep on task by scheduling submission deadlines, instructions, and things to do for each scholarship you’re interested in.
- Follow instructions carefully. Applications that do not follow instructions to the letter are discarded, so be sure to provide whatever information and materials the scholarship requests.
- Highlight your strengths and weaknesses. List your accomplishments, such as your GPA or volunteer work. Don’t neglect to talk about gaps on your application. This is an opportunity to explain yourself and can be beneficial.
- Make plenty of time to plan and write your essay. Thoroughly review the essay question and take your time researching and formulating an answer.
- Proof carefully. Bad grammar, poor punctuation, and an unorganized essay can hurt your chances of receiving an award. Have someone proofread your application materials before you submit them.
- Secure letters of recommendation. Get letters from people who know you well and can highlight your strengths. Provide them with the scholarship information, and give them plenty of time to craft their letter.
- Be on time or early with your submissions. By submitting scholarships early, you free up your time to apply for more.
- Make back up copies of all your submissions. Scholarship givers might lose all or part of your application.
List of External Scholarships and Awards:
The Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Resources for African American Students Guide provided by Maryville University Online provides an overview of assistance and scholarships available to African American students.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (Deadlines of October 4 for Spring and Summer study abroad and March 1 for Autumn study abroad)
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, the program offers grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to pursue academic studies abroad.
The Columbus Foundation Scholarships (Application opens January 1)
A variety of scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors and students currently enrolled in university studying any field. Once on the Search page, enter the name of your high school, city of residence, and Ohio State in the keyword search filed to find available scholarships; or select “See All Scholarships.”
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
Supports outstanding community college students with financial need to transfer to and complete their bachelor’s degrees at the nation’s top four-year colleges and universities. Sign up to receive an email alert for the 2017 application cycle.
Critical Language Scholarship Program
An overseas language and cultural immersion program for undergraduate and graduate students in many fields and with all level of language learning. The program offers instruction in fourteen critical languages: Azerbaijani, Bangla, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Punjabi, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.
Daughters of the American Revolution Enid Hall Griswold Memorial Scholarship (February 10 deadline)
Awarded to two deserving college juniors or seniors enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States who is pursuing a major in political science, history, government, or economics. Scholarships are awarded based on the applicant’s record of academic achievement, personal and professional promise, and financial need. Factors such as gender, race, and religion are not considered.
Ertegun Scholarship Programme in the Humanities, University of Oxford
Ertegun Scholars are chosen in a highly competitive process to attend cost-free the University of Oxford, and pursue graduate-level study and research in fields as diverse as history, archaeology, ancient history, Asian studies, Middle Eastern studies, medieval and modern languages, literature, and music. Apply for the scholarship at the same time of applying for graduate admission to Oxford.
Gildern Lehrman Institute of American History Scholar Award (March 30 Deadline)
Recognizes outstanding college juniors and seniors who have demonstrated academic and extracurricular excellence in American history or American studies as well as a commitment to public service and community involvement.
Colonel Stephen F.O. Mavis Memorial Scholarship Fund (Application opens January 1)
Recipient must be a Hicksville High School (Ohio) graduating senior who has demonstrated a special interest in the study of history, preferably one who intends to pursue education beyond high school.
Minority Scholarships in Classics and Classical Archaeology (December 16 Deadline)
The Society for Classical Studies (SCS) invites applications from minority undergraduate students for a scholarship to be awarded for Summer 2017. The purpose of the scholarship is to further students' preparation in classics or classical archaeology with opportunities not available during the school year.
Phi Alpha Theta Graydon Tunstall Undergraduate Student Scholarship (March 1 Deadline)
Awarded to exceptional student members of Phi Alpha Theta entering the Autumn semester of their senior year and majoring in Modern European History, 1815-present.
Tillman Military Scholarship (Application opens in February)
Tillman Military Scholars program provides education support for veterans and their spouses pursuing undergraduate or graduate education, aiming to build a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.