College is costly — there’s no getting around that. Tuition, books, room and board, and day-to-day costs can amount to thousands of dollars each year. But the good news is this: you don’t have to foot the bill for it all on your own. Scholarships are the free money for college that you never have to repay. Unlike those loans that will be lingering for years, scholarships award your accomplishments, talents or background with free money.
The best part? Nowadays, the majority of scholarships are held online so you can apply from your bed while still sitting in your pajamas. There’s no need to mail thick envelopes and wait weeks for responses. It’s all done digitally so it’s faster, more accessible than ever.
This is a guide that will take you through each and every step of applying for a scholarship online. So, whether you are a high school student getting ready for college, an undergraduate student looking to find more money, or even an adult returning back to school this article is just what you need! We’ll walk you through everything in straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
Why Filling Out Scholarship Applications on the Web is Sensible
Before I show you how it’s done, let me explain why applying online has quickly become the preferred method for scholarship applications (whether simply out of necessity or due to efficiency).
It’s Quick! It’s Easy!: Apply to as many scholarships as you want in one sitting without leaving your house. No printing, no stamps and no runs to the post office.
Instant Confirmation: Most online systems culminate with an email to tell you they’ve gotten your application. You’ll even receive instant notification that your materials were received.
Simple To Track: Anytime you can see your application status on online portals. You’ll be able to tell if something is lacking or if a decision has been made.
Unhindered Opportunities: The internet provides a gateway to over a thousand scholarships globally. Both local and international possibilities are right there.
Eco Friendly: By going paperless you also save on waste. And, you save money to not have to print and mail.
Preparation: Gathering Your Equipment Before You Begin
Scholarship applications are part of the housing construction. Before you can even begin building your deck, you need the right materials and tools for the job. Here’s what you should have before you start applying.
Personal Information Document: Produce a master document with all your basic details. Incorporate your legal name, date of birth, if any, social security account number, address and contact details. Do also include information about your parents or guardians — what they do for a living, and how much schooling each has had. Some scholarships inquire about family income, so have tax documents readily available.
Academic Transcript: Order official transcripts from your institution. Most schools can send these electronically at this point. Maintain digital duplicates of your report cards, calculations for grade point average (G.P.A.), class rank and any academic honors or awards you have earned.
Scores from Standardized Tests: If you have taken the SAT, ACT, TOEFL or other standardized tests, make sure those scores are readily available. Most testing services allow you to download score reports from their websites.
Resume or Activity List: Start forming a resume or activity list of everything you have done. Include part-time or summer jobs (if available), volunteer work, school clubs, sports teams, leadership positions, hobbies and special projects. Then list instances, including dates you participated in the activity, of your work there and what you accomplished in each.
Recommendation Letters: Ask the teachers, counselors, employer or community leaders who know you well. Ask if they would be willing to write letters of recommendation for you. Recruit them at least three weeks in advance and inform them about the scholarships that you are seeking.
Essay and Personal Statement: Some scholarships also require essays. More on this in detail later, start thinking about your stories now though. What challenges have you overcome? What are your goals? What makes you unique?
Financial Papers: Some scholarships are based on need, which means they take into account your family’s financial status. Pull together tax returns, W-2 forms and any paperwork documenting financial struggles.
Portfolio or Work Samples: If you’re seeking a scholarship in art, music, writing or another creative field, have samples of your best work ready. So if they are stored in widely accepted formats such as PDF (documents), JPEG (images) or MP3 (audio files).
Finding Scholarships That Are Compatible With Your Profile
All scholarships are not the same, and all scholarships are not good for you. That’s not that nothing ends up working out, but that you don’t get hired.
Free Scholarship Search Programs: Obviously, always begin with credible free sites. Fastweb, Scholarships.com, College Board’s Scholarship Search and Cappex are great places to begin with. Then create profiles on these sites, and they will match you with openings that suit your interests.
Your School’s Resources: Head to your high school counselor’s office or visit the financial aid office at the college you’ve been admitted to. They’re often aware of local scholarships that aren’t widely advertised online. These are local opportunities, often with less competition.
Community Organizations: Contact local businesses, religious groups and civic organizations like Rotary or Lions Club, and community foundations. Many have scholarships just for students in your area.
Employer Scholarships: If you or your parents work for a company, inquire about scholarships for employees. Most companies have continuing education benefits for employee’s kids.
Professional Associations: Some offers of scholarships are from the professional associations in your intent to work field. For instance, if you aspire to become a nurse, look for nursing organizations. If you want to do engineering, join engineering societies.
Demographics Based Scholarships: There are scholarships available to people based on factors such as ethnicity, gender, religion and heritage. The others are for special populations of students — those with disabilities or those who, for example, have spent time in foster care.
Merit vs. Need-Based: Merit scholarships are awarded for accomplishments such as good grades, athletic ability or special talents. Financial need scholarships take into account your financial status. Apply for both types, if you’re eligible.
Scholarship Types Worth Applying For
Whether it’s a big award (big in dollar size), sport scholarship or academic learning curriculum at local school most scholarships fall into one of the following below:
| Type Of Scholarship | Based On | Competition Level | Average Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need-Based | Financial need | Varies | $500 – $5,000 |
| Merit-Based | Academic achievement | High | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Artistic or Creative | Audition/portfolio | Very high | $1,000 – Full tuition |
| National Merit | Test scores and results | Very high | Up to $2,500 |
| Major-Focused | Course of study | Medium | Up to $10,000 |
| Athletic | Sports performance | Low – Medium | Up to full tuition |
| Minority/Resident | Demographics/residency | High | Varies |
Dialing In Your Account Profile When Applying for Scholarships on a Scholarship Site
After you find scholarship platforms, you’ll have to sign up for them. Your profile is super important because a lot of the platforms automate your matching to scholarships.
Have a Professional Email Address: If you can, have an email made for scholarship applications. Something like firstname.lastname@email.com works perfectly. Avoid nicknames or silly phrases.
Complete Every Field: Answer every question, even if an answer is optional. The more details you share, the better the platform can help guide you to scholarships. You can include your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities and interests, career goals and demographics.
Be Honest and True: Don’t say something that isn’t true on your profile. Misinformation can lead you to be disqualified for scholarships or even lose money you’ve already received. If you’re not eligible for the scholarship, look at the next one.
Update Regularly: As you achieve new things — earn awards, join clubs, raise your GPA — add them to your profile. New accomplishments might make you eligible for more scholarships.
Create Notifications: Subscribe for emails based on your profile to get notified about new scholarships. Look at your scholarship email two times a week.
The Process of Applying: Step by Step
Now we’re into the thick of it. Here’s exactly how to fill out an online scholarship application, from start to finish.
Step 1: Carefully Read the Description: Before you click on anything, read through the entire scholarship description. Find the criteria, deadline, required materials, and award amount. Be certain that you actually qualify before investing time in preparing the application.
Step 2: Look at the Deadline: First off, write the deadline down right now. Put it in your phone calendar and set reminders for two weeks before the due date and three days out. A lot of students miss deadlines and lose out on scholarships.
Helpful tips: Essential soft skills to boost your career growth here.
Step 3: Model a Checklist: Compile a list of all the items on your scholarship that are required. For example:
- Personal information form
- Essay (500 words on leadership)
- Two recommendation letters
- Official transcript
- Financial aid form
Step 4: Dive into the Easy Stuff: So, record all the simpler parts first. This generally includes your name, address, your school and the GPA you’re maintaining and already has contact info. This is simple, and it helps you get on a roll.
Step 5: Upload Documents or Files: The majority of applications will include sections for you to upload PDFs of your transcripts, recommendation letters, resume etc. Make sure your files are:
- Named clearly (like “Johnson_Transcript.pdf”)
- In the appropriate format (most of the time PDF)
- Below the size limit (see requirements)
- Easily readable
Step 6: Power Through on the Essay: Essays require special treatment, so we’ll cover them in detail in the next section. For now, simply bear in mind that you should draft your essay in a word processing software program first and then copy/paste it into the application form.
Step 7: Read Everything Three Times: Triple-check to read through everything in your application before submitting it. Check for:
- Spelling and grammar errors
- Correct dates and information
- Complete sentences
- Answered all required questions
- Uploaded all required documents
Step 8: Hit Send Before the Deadline: Don’t leave it until the last minute. No doubt technical woes will arise — sites will crash, the internet might go out, files may not upload. Don’t wait until the very last second! Apply at least 24 hours ahead of time.
Step 9: Confirmation Page/Email: You will receive a confirmation page or email after submitting. Take a screenshot of this page or save the email. This is your evidence that you submitted.
Step 10: Keep in Touch: Some scholarships permit you to see the status of your application online. Log in from time to time and find out if they need you to do anything else.
How to Write Winning Essays: The Secrets of Writing Beautiful Essays That Get You High Marks and Awards
Scholarship essays can either make or break your application. This is your opportunity to reveal who you are beyond grades and test scores. Here’s how to write essays that will impress faculty.
Begin with the Prompt: Carefully read the essay question or prompt. Highlight key words. If it says “How have you shown leadership?” you should concentrate on leadership, not any achievement.
Brainstorm Before You Write: Spend 10-15 minutes writing down ideas before you begin. Think about:
- Challenges you’ve overcome
- Moments that changed your perspective
- Times you helped others
- Goals and dreams
- What makes you different
Pick One Story: Broad essays are dull. Instead of saying “I’m a hard worker,” relate an anecdote about working two jobs while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average to help your family pay the bills. Detail the nitty-gritty of small details is what makes your essay stand out.
Organize Your Essay Clearly: Keep it simple – a good structure is best:
- Opener: Begin with something interesting in the first sentence.
- Body: Post your essay utilizing details that are specific examples
- Conclusion: Tie your story back to your future goals or why you’re a good candidate for the scholarship
Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of saying “I am passionate about science,” explain how you stayed up until 3 in the morning completing a chemistry experiment because you were too excited to pause in your pursuit.
Be Authentic: You should write the way you speak. Don’t attempt to recreate yourself or use words you would never say in real life. The scholarship committee members are reading thousands of essays—what makes yours stand out?
Talk to the Why: In other words, explain how the scholarship will help you further your education and future dreams. Help them see that investing in you is a good idea.
Proofread Obsessively: Try to read your essay out loud. Use spell-check. Have a teacher, parent or friend read it. It may not be a case of one typo and you’re history, but several do indicate that you don’t care enough to read over your work.
Obey All Instructions: If they request 500 words, do not write 800. If they prefer Times New Roman font, steer clear of Arial. It shows that you can pay attention to details.
Getting Stellar Recommendation Letters
Many scholarships request letters from teachers, counselors or other adults who know you well. Here’s how to receive excellent referrals.
Pick the Right People: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths. A teacher whose class you did well in is better than a principal who barely knows you.
Ask Early: Ask your recommenders at least three weeks in advance. They are busy people, and pushing them often produces form letters.
Ask in Person If You Can: It’s better if you can ask face-to-face rather than by email. It’s better to err on the side of respect, and this also communicates that this request is meaningful to you.
Give a Letter of Recommendation Packet: Make it easier on your recommenders by sending them:
- Information about the scholarship
- Your resume or activity list
- Your GPA and test scores
- Some things you want them to say
- Deadline information
- Instructions for submission
Waive Your Right to See It: Many scholarship applications will want to know if you are waiving your right to see the letter of recommendation. Waive it. This makes the letter more credible, demonstrating that the recommender can be candid.
Follow Up With A Thank You Note: When someone writes a recommendation, send them a handwritten thank you note. It’s courteous, and they are likely to be more helpful to you in the future.
Follow Up Politely: If you haven’t received confirmation that the letter has been submitted a couple of days before the deadline, send a nice reminder email.
Master Multiple Apps Like a Boss
The best scholarship hunters apply to dozens of scholarships. Here’s the way to stay organized without going insane.
Scholarship Spreadsheet: Create a spreadsheet with the following columns:
- Scholarship name
- Award amount
- Deadline
- Requirements
- Status (unstarted, started, submitted, result)
- Website link
- Notes
Get Organized by Filing: Here are a few folder suggestions for your computer:
- One for scholarship opportunities
- One for completed applications
- One for essays
- One for reference materials (transcripts, resumes, etc.)
Make Time: Schedule your week to specifically set aside time for working on scholarships. Like today, that is on every Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9 PM. Consistency is the best way to progress slowly.
Reuse and Tinker: A lot of the same essay questions are asked for multiple scholarships. Oftentimes you can recycle an essay for more than one application. Just remember to tailor it for each scholarship’s unique requirements.
Save Copies of Everything: Save copies of submitted applications, essays and support material. You may want to look at them again later.
Keep Track of Your Success: Whenever you do get a response back, whether it’s positive or negative, log that into your spreadsheet. This can help you see what types of scholarships you have the most success with.
Avoiding Common Mistakes and Scams
Alas, where there is money, there are scams. Here’s how to safeguard yourself while seeking scholarships.
Never Pay to Apply!: Real scholarships do not have an application fee. If there’s a fee, it’s a fraud. And the same applies to “scholarship matching services” that require fees.
Watch for Red Flags:
- Guarantees that you’ll win
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Credit card or bank account information is ever requested
- Slow sluggish website with tons of typos
- “You have been selected” to receive a scholarship you didn’t apply for
Check It Out Before You Apply: Google the scholarship name and “scam.” Or visit the Better Business Bureau website. Seek reviews from former applicants.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid:
- Missing deadlines
- Ignoring eligibility requirements
- Submitting generic essays
- Making spelling or grammar errors
- Forgetting to attach required documents
- Using unprofessional email addresses
- Lying about achievements or circumstances
- Copying essays from the internet
- Applying for scholarships you are ineligible for
After You Submit: What Happens Now
You clicked submit—now what? Here’s an idea of what to expect after you fill out your application.
Confirmation: You should get an email confirmation within minutes or hours. If you don’t hear within a day, contact the scholarship organization to ensure they received your application.
Timeframe: Scholarships have deadlines. Winners are announced for some within weeks, while for others it’s a matter of months. See the scholarship details for anticipated notification dates.
Other Rounds: There are some scholarships that require multiple rounds. You may be named a semifinalist and requested to send more materials or interview.
Notification: Winners are usually notified by email or phone. Continue to check your email, and the spam folder. Winners lists are posted on some companies’ websites.
If You Win: Congratulations! Follow all instructions carefully. You’ll likely need to:
- Accept the scholarship in writing
- Give banking information to have it direct deposited or receive a check
- Provide documentation of your enrollment at school
- Maintain requirements (like minimum GPA)
- Write a letter of thanks to the donor
If You Don’t Win: Do not be disheartened. Most scholarships are extremely competitive. Chalk it up to experience, and move on to the next. Ask for feedback if possible.
Keep Looking for Scholarships Throughout College
Winning scholarships is not only for high school seniors. You can, and you should, keep applying over the course of your college years.
Sophomore Scholarships, Junior Scholarships and Senior Scholarships: There are so many scholarships that only current college students can get. The advantage is that these generally have less competition, largely because fewer people are aware of them.
Department Scholarships: After you declare a major, ask your academic department. They frequently have scholarships that are for students in that major.
Good Standing: Keep your grades up and get involved on campus. Most college scholarships have a minimum GPA and want evidence of campus participation.
Keep Your Resume Updated: As you pick up internships, establish new leadership roles and achieve new skills when you’re in college, keep your materials current. That makes you more competitive for financial aid.
Maximizing Your Chances of Success
Let’s talk strategy. These are the tips that will win you even more scholarships.
Look to Local Scholarships: National scholarships can be bombarded with thousands of applications. Local scholarships from your town or city might only receive 20-50 applications. Your odds are much better.
Don’t Rule Yourself Out: Many students won’t apply because they figure they’re not going to win. But you’ll never win if you don’t try. Apply for all that you qualify for. For more tips on finding scholarships that match your profile, check out Federal Student Aid’s scholarship resources.
Seek Out Niche Scholarships: The narrower the qualifications to win a scholarship, the fewer people who will be able to compete for it. There won’t be nearly as much competition for a scholarship for left-handed bassoon players from Minnesota than there would be for another academic scholarship.
Quality versus Quantity: Better to submit 10 good applications than 50 crappy ones. Take your time; do each application well.
Get an Early Start: If it’s possible, start looking and applying for scholarships in your junior year of high school. Don’t wait for your senior year when everyone else is caught up in the frenzy.
Be Resilient: Failure is a part of the game. Some students apply to 50+ scholarships to win one. Keep going.
Resources, Tools to Assist You
Make the most of these useful resources:
Scholarship Search Sites:
- Fastweb.com
- Scholarships.com
- Cappex.com
- CollegeBoard.org
- Unigo.com
Grammar and Editing Tools:
- Grammarly (checks spelling and grammar)
- Hemingway Editor (improves readability)
- Spell-check functions in Microsoft Word or Google Docs
Organization Tools:
- Google Sheets/Microsoft Excel – for tracking these to-dos
- Google Calendar (for deadline reminders)
- Evernote or OneNote (for information organization)
Financial Aid Resources:
- FAFSA.gov (federal student aid)
- Your school’s financial aid office
- State grant programs
7 Common Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
How many scholarships should I be applying for?
There isn’t a magical number, but successful students usually apply for 20-50 scholarships. Apply to all that you can while keeping your applications strong. Even if you only win one or two, that could still be thousands of dollars in funding for your education.
At what point should I begin applying for scholarships?
Begin looking in your junior year of high school, though the summer before your senior year is when you’ll really want to be applying. On that note, there’s no time like the present — you can continue applying throughout college as well.
Do I have to have straight A’s to win any scholarships?
Not at all. While many of them are based on academic success, there are also plenty offered for leadership, community service, special talents and demographics or financial need. There are scholarships for students with every kind of GPA.
How long does it take to apply for a scholarship?
Simple applications can take 15-30 minutes. Essays and multiple requirements might take hours. Plan accordingly and don’t rush.
May I submit the same essay for several scholarships?
You can use the same essay for several scholarships — what you write one time might work for another. However, tailor the essay to suit each scholarship’s unique essay prompt and criteria. Generic essays rarely win.
What if I miss a deadline?
Unfortunately, very few late registrations will be accepted. Put this in your calendar and get some reminders because you don’t want to miss it. But there are many scholarships that get offered year in and year out, so you can apply next year.
Are online scholarships legitimate?
Yes, most are completely legitimate. But scams also abound, so be sure to check out scholarships before applying. And remember: You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.
Will my financial aid be affected by scholarships?
Sometimes. Outside scholarships can impact the financial aid package, but in most cases you will still be better off. Be sure to contact your school’s financial aid office to know how scholarships can affect you.
What if I win more scholarship money than I can use?
This is rare but possible. Individual schools and scholarships have different policies. Any surplus funds could be refunded to you for education expenses, such as books or a computer. Consult your school’s financial aid office.
Are U.S. scholarships available to international students?
There are some scholarships available to international students, but for the most part, they are reserved for citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Please read the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
Your Action Plan: Start Today
Armed with all this information, it’s time to do something. Here’s what you can do right now:
Today:
- Make a scholarships email address
- Create an email account specifically for scholarship emails
- Start a scholarship tracking spreadsheet
- Write down the names of the teachers, or other references you’ll seek recommendations from
This Week:
- Sign up for three or more scholarship search sites
- Request your transcripts from your school
- Create a “master resume” listing all of your experience and accomplishments
This Month:
- Apply to at least 3 scholarships
- Check with the people who will be your recommenders to see if they will draft letters for you
- Begin to brainstorm and write scholarship essays
Ongoing:
- Schedule time each week to look for and apply to scholarships
- First thing’s first: make sure you check your email for notifications about scholarships
- Update your profiles and materials as you rack up new achievements
Crossing the Finish Line: Your Future Begins Today
Scholarship applications are time-consuming and take a lot of work, but they can be one of the best investments you make in your future. Depending on what you do, applying can bring in hundreds or thousands of dollars an hour. It is better than any part-time job.
Keep in mind that scholarships are about more than just the cash — even though it’s, of course, important. They’re an acknowledgment of your effort, talents and potential. They’re confidence builders that let you know other people believe in you enough to try to help your dreams come true.
You don’t need to be the brightest student, best athlete or most talented artist to win scholarships. You just need to be willing to do the work. Tell your story honestly. Follow directions carefully. Apply consistently. The scholarships are waiting for students just like you.
College may be expensive, but there are ways to make it achievable. With time, preparation, and this guide as your source of direction, you can find the money to pursue your education. So what are you waiting for? Open that initial scholarship search site and begin taking a look at your potential. Every application you submit today, your future self will be thankful.
The first step to college money is the step you take, not what’s on your head. Apply for it today, and do that over and over again, until you get the support you deserve. You’ve got this!
