1. Meet All Deadlines
   Stay organized by using a calendar or planner to keep track. Missing a deadline, even by a day, can lead to disqualification.
2. Start Early
   Allow yourself ample time to gather materials and complete each step. Rushed applications are more likely to be incomplete or poorly done.
3. Don’t Ignore Small Awards
   Smaller scholarships can accumulate over time and typically have less competition than larger ones.
4. Request Recommendations Early
   Give your recommenders at least two weeks' notice to write your letter. Choose people who know you well and can speak to your strengths and resilience. Be ready to provide any additional information they may need about you or the scholarship. Don’t forget to follow up and confirm that your letter has been submitted.
5. Write a Strong Essay
   Use the essay to highlight aspects of yourself not covered elsewhere in your application. Get help with editing for grammar and spelling, but do your own writing—the committee wants to hear from you personally.
6. Attend a Scholarship Workshop
   Visit the Academic Success Center and ExEd & Career Services' workshops during scholarship application season to get help finding and apply for scholarships. Attend one of these sessions for guidance on searching for opportunities, writing strong essays, and improving your application.
7. Showcase Your Achievements
   Be confident in highlighting your accomplishments—awards, leadership roles, and personal challenges. Don’t underestimate the value of work or family responsibilities.
8. Keep Trying
   If you don’t win a scholarship right away, don’t get discouraged. Save your completed applications so you can easily reuse them for future opportunities.