Scholarship Tips

File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year. You may also want to check out the FAFSA Web site for filing dates and other important information. Many scholarships as well as other types of aid depend on this information, and you have the right to accept or decline any financial aid offered.
Look early. Start looking for scholarships a year before you anticipate needing and/or qualifying for them. Most scholarships for the fall have already been awarded before the approach of spring.
Applying for scholarships and grants doesn’t cost you anything except the price of postage and a few hours of work. So, as long as you meet the qualifications, you have no good reason not to apply for as many scholarships and grants as you can possibly manage.
Be prepared to meet the deadlines for letters of recommendation, transcripts, essays, etc. This may mean getting to know your professors (who will need sufficient time), and/or writing a few goal-oriented essays in advance.
Evaluate yourself in relation to the requirements:
- What career do you hope to pursue?
- How do your goals and ambitions relate to the implied goals of the scholarship?
- How do your qualifications compare to the requirements of the scholarship?
- What are you’re past successes, achievements, honors received and positions of leadership held?
- What are your abilities and potential?
- Where do you want to see yourself in five years? Ten Years?
- For what accomplishments and in what way would you like to be remembered?
Check out bulletin boards in your high school guidance/career service office for scholarship information. Students can use the SUNY Brockport STAR Center or pick up a copy of FAN Mail, both of which can be found in the Financial Aid Office.
Check the Web for various scholarship sites.
Once in college, keep looking for available scholarships. Do an annual search for scholarships to keep informed of opportunities.
Maintain a good GPA.
Be active. Get involved on campus. Activities, internships, etc., show professionalism, dedication, and leadership. Many scholarships have a campus activities/leadership criteria that you may have to meet.
Don't give up! Scholarships can be important financially, and may be relevant on a résumé. Perseverance can pay off!