Review eligibility requirements and specific instructions for each scholarship.
Write “great” essays. Include your accomplishments, challenges, struggles, financial hardship, extracurricular activities, and cater to the essay prompt.
Use your resources: Your academic counselor, Writing Center, Career Center etc.
Ask your professors and advisors if they would be willing to provide you a recommendation: Kindly give your recommenders at least 2-3 weeks notice before the application is due
Have your resume up to date for outside scholarships
Have your unofficial transcripts ready for outside scholarships
Answer all applicable questions
Set a goal to apply for 1 or 2 outside scholarships each month
