Consider the following when searching for scholarships with your child:

• Your child may be required to write an essay, pass a written exam, or complete a project demonstrating his or her potential.
• Programs may specify how scholarship funds must be used, set time restrictions for disbursing the funds, or set ceilings on qualifying family income.
• Scholarship funds may be paid directly to the college.
• Failing to meet requirements could jeopardize your child’s ability to keep the scholarship.

Winning scholarships

To win a scholarship, your child needs to make a fantastic first impression with a powerful and compelling application. While there is no fail-safe way to do this, the following general principles will increase your child’s chances of winning.

Prioritize your list of scholarships

The most effective and efficient way to prioritize your list is to match each scholarship with your child's attributes. Put the awards that best fit his or her background, talents, and achievements at the top of your list.

Look closely at the scholarship, your child, and the application

View each scholarship as a unique opportunity. The message in the application should be written accordingly.

Complete the application carefully

In the eyes of the scholarship judges, the application is a reflection of your child. It may be the only impression the judges will have of him or her. Give it top priority.

Get great recommendations

Scholarship judges like recommendation letters because they verify your child’s abilities. Your child may say that he or she is a strong leader and give some examples, but written support from a person in authority is very powerful.

Create a scholarship resume

Although some applications do not ask for a resume, your child should probably include one. A scholarship resume highlights activities and achievements and allows for more detailed explanations. A good resume — tailored for each scholarship — can be very impressive.

Write a winning essay

A well-written personal essay is critical to winning a scholarship because it offers judges a window on each applicant. It is their way of getting to know the student beyond the stats in the application. It is also the best opportunity for students to make a strong and lasting impression.

Ace the scholarship interview

While not every scholarship requires an interview, for those that do it is often the deciding factor in selecting winners. Interviews give the judges the opportunity to get to know and interact with the applicants and to learn more about their goals and achievements.