Scholarships can be a game-changer in funding your education, and applying effectively is key. Eric Drumheller, vice president of grants & scholarships at EducationQuest, shared insider tips to help you stand out from the competition. Read on to learn how to improve your chances and reduce student debt.
Start Early and Stay Organized
Eric’s advice? Start looking for scholarships immediately! Begin with ScholarshipQuest, a free online database at EducationQuest.org. The tool is for Nebraska students and includes more than 2,000 local scholarships. These awards are verified annually, and you can sign up for monthly updates to stay informed.
Focus on scholarships you qualify for and keep track of deadlines. Staying organized is crucial: break down tasks like requesting transcripts, writing essays, and gathering letters of recommendation. Add deadlines to your calendar, setting reminders well in advance. This proactive approach will keep you on track and avoid last-minute stress.
Where to Find Scholarships
In addition to ScholarshipQuest, use trusted scholarship search websites that EducationQuest recommends. Eric warns against using unvetted sites that may lead to scams. Your school counselor is another great resource—they often have information about awards specific to your school or community.
Don’t overlook college-based scholarships. Many institutions offer significant aid based on merit or other criteria. Contact your admissions representative to understand the process and deadlines for those opportunities.
Write a Strong Scholarship Essay
Most scholarships require an essay, which allows you to show a review committee who you are beyond your resume. Eric’s advice is to answer the essay prompt directly. A well-written essay that doesn’t answer the question won’t score well. Follow instructions carefully, including word-count limits. More is not better.
You can often reuse essays for multiple scholarships, so take the time to make yours great. Proofread it thoroughly and ask a trusted teacher or other adult to review it. Avoid using AI to write the essay for you. While it can help brainstorm ideas, a fully AI-generated essay lacks a personal touch and will be noticed by the committee.
Make your essay memorable by sharing a unique story or perspective that differentiates you from other applicants.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation provide an outside perspective on your character and qualifications. According to Eric, these letters can be a tiebreaker if applicants are closely matched, so collecting good ones is important.
Ask someone who knows you well, like a teacher, coach, mentor, or employer—but not a relative. Give them plenty of time to write the letter and provide details like the scholarship requirements and a copy of your Activities Resume. This will help them craft a more personalized, relevant letter.
Focus on Local Scholarships
While national scholarships are often more well-known, local scholarships can be easier to win because the applicant pool is smaller. Even small awards add up. If you spend two hours applying for a $500 award, you’re essentially earning $250 per hour!
Use ScholarshipQuest to find local opportunities. Although national scholarships are also worth applying for, the smaller, local ones can often be less competitive and more accessible.
Finding Non-Need-Based Scholarships
Not all scholarships are based on financial need. ScholarshipQuest includes many merit-based scholarships that aren’t tied to the FAFSA. Whether you excel academically, are in extracurricular activities, or have unique talents, there are scholarships out there for you.
Final Thoughts
Winning scholarships takes effort, but starting early, staying organized, and using trusted resources can significantly increase your chances. Follow Eric’s expert advice: write compelling essays, secure strong recommendations, and focus on a mix of local and national opportunities. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to scoring big with scholarships!
By Jeannine Phelan
Assisted by AI