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The whole scholarship application process can be nerve-wracking. After you’ve gone through hundreds of scholarships opportunities and made a note of all the scholarships you qualify for along with their requirements, it’s then time to put together and submit your applications. Making things even more complicated is the fact that each scholarship opportunity has its own selection criteria and a different set of requirements. For some students, keeping track of it all is nothing short of overwhelming.
Why you should use checklists:
This scholarship application checklist will help you stay on top of it all when you are applying for scholarships. Use it to identify opportunities that are a good match for you and to record all relevant information about each opportunity for handy reference.
Checklist 1: Determining Whether You Should Apply For The Scholarship
Ask yourself these questions in order to identify scholarships that are a good match for you.
- Who is the scholarship intended for?
- What are the selection criteria?
- Do you meet all of the scholarship’s criteria?
- Can you provide all of the documentation that is asked for?
- Are there any expectations that you are required to meet?
- Will you be able to meet these expectations?
Checklist 2: Moving Forward With Scholarship You Qualify For
As you find a scholarship that you quality for, it is a good idea to stay organized by making a note of the requirements and other details of each scholarship.
Some things to look for include:
- Application dates and deadlines. Keeping track of deadlines is most important as it gives you an idea of how much time you have to put the application together. As always, the earlier the better. It increases your chances of winning the scholarship. Also, these deadlines are non-negotiable. Any application received after the date mentioned will be rejected outright so making a note of the deadlines is absolutely important.
- How to submit your scholarship application. Some institutions may require you to submit your application online, while others may require the application to be sent via post. Make sure all postal submissions are sent out well before the deadline and make copies of all documents sent by mail.
- What is the documentation that is required. Do you need to send proof of your accomplishments? Do you need to provide one or more letters of recommendation? Do these recommendation letters need to be written by anyone in particular? Are there any specifications for writing the personal essay?
Checklist 3: Preparing Your Scholarship Application
You’ve identified the scholarships you qualify for and you know exactly what is required for each. Now it’s time to start putting together that application.
- Read through the application thoroughly and answer each question carefully. Your answers should be succinct but informative. Most importantly, they must answer the question asked.
- Start working on your essay. Writing and editing application essays takes time. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to go through the content and polish it till it is perfect.
- Get your recommendation letter ready from the best teacher (not all scholarships will require them). Think about who would be your ideal letter writer and give them sufficient time to work on it. Don’t forget to give them information about your goals, accomplishments and other details so they have some solid information that they can use to create a strong letter on your behalf.
Wait For The Replies
Once you’ve sent out all of your scholarship applications there is nothing more you can do. You’ve done all you can and now the only thing left is to wait to hear back from your prospective sponsors.
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| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
