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7 Steps to Scholarship
Dollar$
- Begin
your scholarship search EARLY. The scholarship application process can be a lengthy one.
If you apply for money during the Fall semester, the scholarship may be awarded the
following Spring, but the money may not be available until Fall of the next academic year.
Plan ahead.
READ Eligibility requirements for
the various scholarships. Focus on the things that DISQUALIFY YOU. If you meet
the general qualifications, get more specific information.
ALWAYS apply for more than
one scholarship. Apply for a minimum of 10. Applying for several scholarships at a
time increases your chances of receiving a large "cumulative" award.
If you need assistance with the
application process (composing the essays, reference letters, etc) ASK. Value your
time.
Referral letters should be prepared on
letterhead. You can also reproduce them for multiple scholarship submissions. Start collecting
reference letters from clergy, teachers, supervisors, neighbors, and employers NOW!
As a rule, DO NOT use references from
family members unless they are members of a particular organization offering a
scholarship or they are working in the field in which you are applying for a scholarship.
Read over the references to be
sure that they address the areas that the scholarship sponsor requires.
APPROACH Scholarship Finding
Companies WITH CAUTION. They charge you a fee ranging from $50 to $200, to give you
information you can get for free if you are willing to put in a little time and effort.
First use the resources available to you:
Check the SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN BOARD
at your school. Talk with the Scholarship Specialist.
Cruise the internet and search
through 335,000 scholarships and over 50,000 sponsors. The computerized scholarship
search is available in the Cuyamaca Library Computer Lab. Type http://www.finaid.org and
follow the Online "menu driven" Financial Aid and Scholarship Search link. It's
now easier than ever to find scholarship dollars.
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