You are the future and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona wants to help you succeed in your academic endeavors.
Read the following to avoid the pitfalls of scholarship applications. It will give you one of the best chances of getting help paying for college!
Common Scholarship Application Mistakes
Many scholarship applications submitted last year didn’t even make it to the scholarship committee because of these simple mistakes.
The application arrived late
The application was incomplete
An official copy of the student’s transcripts was not included
The letters of recommendation were not submitted
Extra attachments were included (only provide the required items)
The application was not signed
We couldn’t read the application and/or essay
Handy Hints
In addition to the list above, here are some other things to keep in mind.
1. Ask for help if you need it. If you have questions or problems completing the application, do not hesitate to call us. We are here to help and we want to see you succeed!
2. Only apply if you believe you are eligible. Make sure you put a check mark by all of the scholarships that fit your situation. Read the scholarship requirements and directions carefully. Each scholarship has different requirements.
3. Follow the instructions and provide everything that is required. Call us if you have any questions about completing the application. Following the instructions is one of the basic criteria used by the selection committee to pick scholarship recipients.
4. Beat all deadlines. Don’t wait until the last minute to put your application materials together. You are responsible for making sure all parts of your application arrive on time. Know the deadlines and give people assisting you enough lead time to meet those deadlines. Follow up with the people writing your recommendations to be sure they have submitted them. Check with us at least two days before the deadline to be sure we have received all of your information.
5. Complete the full application. Ask someone to look at your completed packet to make sure you provided everything.
6. Neatness counts. If possible, type your application. If you can’t, please print neatly and legibly in ink.
7. Write an essay that makes a strong impression. Use plain language. Avoid jargon that no one will understand. If an essay question covers more than one topic, provide an answer for each one. Ask someone to read the essay and recite back to you the key points. If they understand what you are trying to express, that’s great!
8. Proofread. Be sure to check and re-check spelling. Ask another person to proofread your completed application, essay and personal profile as a final step.
9. Put your name at the top of each page of the essay in case pages get separated.
10. Keep copies. Keep records of each scholarship application you submit, including notes regarding deadlines, requirements and responses.