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Scholarship Tips

Make sure that you are eligible for the scholarship.
Read the application carefully before filling it out.
Make a couple of copies of the application to practice on, and save the original application for the final draft.
Follow all directions EXACTLY.
Do NOT include things that the application does not require (e.g., extra pages of information, extra letters of recommendation, etc.).
Fill out the application neatly. Type it if possible.
Make sure that your essay addresses specifically how the study abroad program you have chosen and the scholarship for which your are applying will help you to accomplish your particular goals.
Get your letters of recommendation from professors, faculty advisors, and/or employers who know your work, NOT from a relative or friend.
Give the people writing your recommendation letters at least 3 weeks to write the letter. Provide them with as much information as possible about the scholarship and the sponsoring organization, two copies of the recommendation form, a copy of your completed application and statement of purpose, a résumé, transcript instructions on how the letter should be handled, deadline information, and any other relevant information that may aid the recommender in writing the letter.
Complete the application two weeks before the official deadline to give yourself enough time to proofread it thoroughly.
Do NOT rely on spell check to catch grammatical errors.
Proofread the entire application, and then get someone else to proofread it again.
Remember that you are responsible for ensuring that ALL parts of the application (including transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) arrive on time.
If you will not be able to meet the application deadline, call the scholarship providers and ask for an extension. Do NOT just send it in late.

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