The scholarship application process is very similar to the college application process. First, your child filters a large list of possible choices into a focused list that matches your child’s needs. Then your child creates compelling applications that are supported by achievements, essays, recommendations and interviews. Here are some tips to help your child create strong scholarship applications.

Scholarship Application Tips

There's a lot of advice out there about the best way to apply for scholarships - how to package your child in the essay, what extracurricular activities to emphasize. The truth is, much of this advice can vary widely, depending on the author - what works for one applicant may not necessarily work for another. You and your child will discover that most of the scholarship secrets you read about boil down to using common sense and following directions carefully.
Start the Research Early

The more time your child can put into a scholarship search, the more options there are. Your child needs time to research scholarships, request information and application materials, and complete applications - and remember, some scholarships have deadlines early in the fall of the senior year. Your child can use Scholarship Search to get started.
Read Eligibility Requirements Carefully

If your child has a question about eligibility for a particular scholarship, contact the scholarship sponsors.
Organize All Scholarship Materials

Your child should create a separate file for each scholarship and file by application date. Keep a calendar of application deadlines and follow-up appointments.

Many scholarships require your child to provide some combination of the following:

* Transcript
* Standardized test scores
* Financial aid forms, such as the FAFSA or CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®
* Parents' financial information, including tax returns
* One or more essays
* One or more letters of recommendation
* Proof of eligibility (e.g., membership credentials)

Your child may also need to prepare for a personal interview. For students competing for talent-based scholarships, an audition, performance, or portfolio may be required.
Proofread Applications Carefully

Your child can use the computer's spelling and grammar check features. Have a family member, teacher or friend read your child’s essays.
Don't Leave Items Blank

Your child should contact scholarship sponsors if not sure how to fill out any part of the application.

Follow Instructions to the Letter

Make sure your child does not go over the length limit for the essay. Don't send supporting materials that are not requested in the application.
Make Sure the Application Is Legible

Your child should type or print application forms and essays.
Make Copies of Everything Your Child Sends

If application materials are lost, having copies on hand makes it much easier to resend the application quickly.

Double-Check the Application

If your child is reusing material (such as a cover letter or essay) from another scholarship application, check to make sure no incorrect names are left in or there are blank fields. it should be carefully checked for incorrect names or blank fields. Make sure your child doesn’t forget to sign and date the application.
Get Applications In Early

Your child misses out if deadlines are missed. Consider using certified mail or requesting a return receipt.

How Scholarships Affect the Financial Aid Package

Private scholarships can actually reduce parts of your child's financial aid package. How? Colleges must consider outside scholarships as a student's financial resource, available to pay for education costs. If a college financial aid office meets your child's full financial need, government regulations specify that any scholarship money won lowers the need figure on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

What should matter to you and your child is which types of aid are reduced or eliminated - self-help aid (loans or work-study) or need-based grants. Colleges, following federal regulations, can adjust aid packages in a variety of ways - some subtract the value of unmet need first, others reduce self-help aid before reducing grants, still others use scholarship funds only to replace grant money. Some colleges even give the option of using scholarships to reduce the expected family contribution.

It's a good idea to contact the financial aid office of colleges that interest your child and ask about their policies on outside scholarships.

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Source: http://www.collegeboard.com

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