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Acing the  

Scholarship

  application process is the first step. All you have to do is follow a few rules of the game:

Read the rules
Apply only for scholarships for which you're eligible. If it says the minimum GPA is a 3.0, and you're carrying only a 1.9, you may need to look elsewhere! Other true, but simple rules also apply. Read the directions and make sure your application is complete. You don't want to lose a scholarship because you forgot to answer question #12. After you review your application, have someone else look it over.

Be real
You may not have a perfect 4.0, but you can play up your other strong suits. Don't exaggerate, but let the judges see your personality, particularly in the essay section. After all, the application should represent who you are. Remember, too, that essays aren't one-size-fits-all, so tailor each to the specific application you are completing. Finally, don't be shy about listing your activities, achievements, and other merits when asked.

Neatness Counts
Especially on applications! A typewritten application is best; if that isn't possible, use your neatest penmanship.

Don't Get Defeated by Deadlines
Once you have a neat, complete application, make sure you meet the deadline. You could be the applicant the judges are seeking, but if your application arrives two weeks late, it won't matter.

Stay On Schedule
Write out your attack plan. Try completing all the personal information sections of each application by a certain date. Sit down with your parents one afternoon to bubble in family financial sections. Then, write your essays one draft at a time. Or, if an application has an early deadline, mail it off so you'll have one less to worry about.

Who Can Help?
As a future scholarship winner (hopefully!), you should recognize the benefits of seeking the help of others. Let your guidance counselors and teachers know your interests, activities, and aspirations. They will be a top source of information on the latest scholarships, and can help you in more ways than you might imagine. And, pay attention to past scholarship winners (See Real Winners!).

Talk to your local library's reference desk librarian -- she can guide you in all the right directions for the latest books listing scholarships and information from colleges that offer them. Your parents, too, can become an important source, should their employers offer scholarships to workers' children. Don't neglect to ask friends who are already attending college what's out there, either. Having been through the process recently, they're sure to have some useful tips.

Finally, don't forget to seek help from financial aid administrators at the colleges you are considering. They often know of private scholarship money that's available. If they sense that you're eager to help yourself pay for your education, they might be willing to spend time helping you.

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