Tips for Scholarship Applications

• Read the requirements carefully: some scholarships are awarded by nomination, while others require an application.
• Begin your application in the fall. While you might submit the application at the last minute, taking time to assemble a complete, polished application increases the likelihood of success. 
• Submit a complete application, providing everything listed, such as transcripts, statements, and letters of support. If you put the time into an application, make it worthwhile; it's disappointing for us to set a candidate aside simply because of missing documents. 
• Ask for letters of support at least one month in advance. Your instructors need time to write a strong recommendation. When you ask an instructor for a letter, clearly state the deadline and what the scholarship uses as criteria for award. Your best strategy: meet with your instructor first.
• Save all documents using your last name. Today, many judges prefer electronic copies of applications, and using your name in the title keeps your materials in order. 
• If the award requires your written work, and you are using essays and papers turned in for a class, use the professor's feedback to revise: it's meant to help you improve your writing, so use it to your advantage.
• Proofread your work! Your application reflects your best efforts, and you don't want to compromise your submission with a misspelling like "litterature" (and it has happened!).
• If you don't win this year, don't despair: within another academic year, you might provide the winning application.

Ready to apply? Go to www.uww.edu/scholarships to begin your application.