Tips and Scams

Scholarship Tips

• Apply for scholarships early.  Don't wait until the last minute. 
• Pay close attention to deadlines. 
• Follow all instructions very carefully.  If an application asks for an essay of 500 words, make sure not to exceed this limit. 
• Only apply if you meet the scholarship's minimum requirements. 
• Make sure to answer all parts of the application. 
• Proofread everything.  Have someone else proofread everything. 
• Follow up with a phone call to make sure your application was received. 
• Adhere to deadlines. 
• Supplement your application with letters of recommendation if appropriate. 
• When asking someone to write a recommendation, make sure to give the person enough to time to write one for you.  Two or more weeks is fair. 
• Send thank you letters.

Scholarship Scams

• If it is too good to be true, it probably is. 
• Scholarship funds can never be "guaranteed." 
• If you have to pay to apply for a scholarship, buyer beware. 
• Use caution if a small, nominal fee is required in order to obtain a scholarship listing. 
• Before giving any organization money or your credit card number, check with the Consumer Protection Agency or your school counselor to make sure the organization is legitimate. 
• Beware of free seminars.  There is usually a hitch and you may find yourself in an uncomfortable, high pressure sales situation. 
• "Millions of dollars go unclaimed!" is not an accurate statement.  Most organizations allocate a certain dollar amount to scholarships and distribute their awards according to specific criteria.