Scholarship Application Tips

  1. Meet All Deadlines.
    Use a calendar or planner to stay on track. Missing a deadline, even by one day, can disqualify you.
  2. Start Early.
    Give yourself plenty of time to gather materials and complete each step. Rushed applications are often incomplete or sloppy.
  3. Don’t Ignore Small Awards.
    Smaller scholarships can add up over time, and they often have less competition than larger ones.
  4. Request Recommendations Early.
    Give your recommenders at least two weeks' notice to write your letter. Choose people who know you well and can speak to your strengths and resilience. Be prepared to provide any additional information they may need about you or the scholarship. Be sure to follow up to confirm that your letter has been submitted.
  5. Write a Strong Essay.
    Use the essay to highlight aspects of yourself not covered elsewhere in your application. Get help with editing for grammar and spelling, but do your own writing—the committee wants to hear from you personally. Current UO students can work with the UO Teaching and Learning Center to receive free drop-in writing tutoring.
  6. Attend a Scholarship Workshop.
    The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships offers workshops during scholarship application season to help students find and apply for scholarships. Attend one of these sessions for guidance on searching for opportunities, writing strong essays, and improving your application.
  7. Showcase Your Achievements.
    Be confident in showcasing your accomplishments—awards, leadership roles, and personal challenges. Don't underestimate the value of work or family responsibilities.
  8. Keep Trying.
    If you don’t win a scholarship right away, don’t give up. Save your completed applications so you can easily reuse them in the future.