Getting scholarships is always a great thing; but getting one now is actually a blessing. The USA and most of the other countries in the world are experiencing one of the worst economic recessions in recent history. The future of many scholarships by academic and corporate organizations is now uncertain. One can find news about job losses and salary cuts in the newspapers almost everyday. So, that means one thing: there will be fewer options for scholarships and larger number of applicants to combat with for one.
Gain The Early-Bird Advantage
But don’t lose heart. If you want to get a scholarship, still there are many good options. Instead of blaming the financial crisis or cursing your luck, you need to swing into action. The first thing that you have to do is to conduct a research on the available scholarships. Federal departments and academic institutions such as colleges and universities are good places to enquire about scholarships. You can also search for more information on the internet such as HigherEdSpace.com's Funding Directory.
Check if there are any scholarships that suit you. Get a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria before applying. Also, apply for the maximum number of scholarships. Last but not the least, you need to apply as early as possible.
Tips For Preparing A Clinching Application
The application for the scholarship is your first and sometimes only chance to impress the evaluators. So, take due care in preparing the application. You can prepare a good application only if you have a good idea about the academic and extra-curricular requirements for getting the scholarship. Specify all your advantages in the application – in studies, sports, and arts.
If you have participated in a team activity or a social service activity, specify that too. Some scholarships require the applicant to write essays. Write the essay by taking enough time and putting in some serious effort. Both the essay and the application should be proof-read thoroughly.
Not All Scholarships Are For Scholars
Whenever you apply for a scholarship that you have found on the internet, conduct a thorough research about the organization before applying for one. Some internet scams in the name of scholarships have been reported. Never send money as the processing fee or pay any other similar charges.