1.
Make a plan and set goals“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!” Without a plan, you are going nowhere. Long range and short range goals must be put in writing. Discuss your plan with parents and your counselor.
2.
Participate in Extracurricular ActivitiesSports, clubs, student government, student council, band, drama and any other school related activities are important. You should not only be a participant, but take on leadership roles in the school as well.
3.
Take College Entrance Exams—SAT/ACTPrepare for these exams taking them early in your high school career. Retake them and work hard to achieve the highest score possible.
4.
Participate in Community ServiceA majority of scholarships require community service. Remember it is not necessarily the quantity, but the quality of service completed.
5.
Write a Winning Scholarship EssayRequired by a majority of scholarships and one of the most difficult tasks a student faces in the scholarship application process. See your counselor for tips/questions on how to write a winning scholarship essay.
6.
Request Recommendation LettersYou will need letters from teachers, counselors and community leaders. Thank them graciously
7.
Organize a Winning PortfolioPlace I a folder all the required documents you need to apply to schools and for scholarships. This should include your scholarship essay, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and activities chart or resume.
8.
Research ScholarshipsContact your school counselor so they can be on the look out for scholarships specific to your intended major, school, etc. Visit the local community college financial aid office, which has a ton of resources for you about grants, scholarships, and other federal funds.
9.
Complete Scholarship Applications and Submit them on TimeThe number one reason a majority of students never win scholarships is because they are not complete when they are submitted or they are past the deadline.
10.
Continue the Scholarship Application ProcessApplying for scholarship can begin as early as elementary school. Continue applying for scholarships all through high school, college and graduate school.