Common Scholarship Application Errors to Avoid
There are a variety of mistakes that students make consistently when applying for scholarships. Here are the most common
- Application Deadlines: The worst mistake you can possibly make is forgetting a deadline. If you miss the deadline then there is almost no way your scholarship application will be processed. Your first question when researching a new scholarship should be when is the scholarship deadline? Did I absolutely send in the application before the deadline? You should get in the application well in advance and then confirm receipt of application with the scholarship provider administrator. Hand deliver, use a courier, FedEx or send via registered mail. Make sure it get there and gets there in time!
- Application Errors: Most, if not all of these errors are due to carelessness (these can be avoided). With so many candidates, any single mistake can ruin your chances of success. Not to worry because with a little bit of caution (proofreading), you can avoid these mistakes and be that much closer to being the top scholarship candidate. Don't be afraid to ask your parents, a friend or a teacher to read your application before submission.
- Follow instructions: Some scholarships may require you to go through a couple tedious tasks before you are even considered. This may seem useless and off topic but it is important to realize that these requirements are put in place to help find them find best candidates. If they ask for transcripts to be provided in a certain format, make sure you do. If they require two references don't submit just one or don't submit three because you want to submit and extra one. Don't let the review committee find a reason to exclude you, you are already ahead of the game if you follow their instruction to a "T".
- Not applying for enough scholarships - "Don’t put all your eggs in one basket". Many times students will apply for only three, two or even one scholarship. With the number of scholarships available today there is no reason you shouldn't be applying to that many scholarships a week! Talk to guidance counselors as they are usually keep informed on available scholarships. Another great method is to sign up on to an online scholarship database like www.schoolsoup.com. All you have to do is fill out your information answer a few questions and then sit back and let them find the scholarships that are best for you. Opt-in for our email newsletter so you can keep up to date on any new scholarships or contests.