www.scholarshipresources.org is a new website created by WAEF this summer to provide distanced scholarship training. Students log on, create an account, and participate in four courses each with video messages, tips, quizzes to test your knowledge and information gained over the last 20+ years of awarding scholarships. And it’s all FREE! Contributions for the site came from generous gifts made this year by Chelan Fresh, US Bancorp Foundation/US Bank, Yakima Valley Community Foundation, Latino Community Fund and United Way of Central Washington.
To access the WAEF scholarship applications, visit www.waef.org/scholarships.
Tip # 10 – Don’t assume, Check!
You’ve put the work into your scholarship application following guidelines and making sure you’re communicating a well-rounded picture about your values, character and potential.
Your letter writers submitted references on your behalf and your school provided an official copy of your transcript. Or did they?
The deadline is almost here and one important last step may remain. Contact the scholarship provider and make sure your application is complete. It only takes a minute! If you’re a WAEF applicant, contact us at scholarships@waef.org or (509) 663-7713.
Tip # 9 – Just Do It!
The time to procrastinate is over. Once you’ve checked the scholarship qualifications and know you meet the requirements for consideration, do a quick review of the entire application. Identify how many letters of reference are needed and where they must be sent. Same for your high school and/or college transcript.
Ask your letter writers today! And make sure they have the necessary information to submit the letter(s) on your behalf. Order your official transcript(s) today!
Now, start on the application and work section by section checking off each one. You are on your way to winning your first scholarship!! Way to go!!
Tip # 8 – What’s your plan?
Why do college major and career plans matter on a scholarship application? Including this information shows you have a plan and are attending college with a goal in mind. Always complete this section with specifics on the direction you see now for your future. If you have a chance on the application, also include why. If you’re fully committed to this plan, be consistent throughout your application emphasizing how this plan came to be and how you’ll make a difference in your career.
Plans change? That’s okay! It’s common to experience a shift in your focus or a complete redirection once you’ve been exposed to additional career information at college.
Learn more about this on webinar at the WAEF YouTube resources site.
Tip # 7 – Tell your story!
Real people read scholarship applications. What should they know about you to help you stand out in the application process?
Use your personal statement, essay and short answer prompts to communicate important values and character traits. Build rapport by sharing personal stories. Communicate what investing in you will mean for your family and community.
Before you submit your application, read through it and make sure the things most important to you are coming through in your written application.
Tip # 6 – Extracurricular activities.
This might take more creativity this year. Extracurricular activities are meaningful activities you do outside of the classroom – school clubs, sports, community service, work and church.
With gathering curtailed this year, consider some non-traditional activities.
- Did you make masks?
- Learn to cook or crochet?
- Develop a video game?
- Create a blog/vlog about a subject your passionate about?
- Write notes of encouragement to care workers?
Consider all of the ways you spend time outside of the classroom and share those that allowed you to make a difference in the community and/or learn new skills. If you still have space available after completing activities in the past year, keep moving backward throughout your high school and/or undergraduate years. More tips and ideas on award winning scholarship applications at www.scholarshipresources.org.
Tip #5 – Letters of reference are a valuable part of your application.
A few key pieces to keep in mind:
- Request letters from people who know you well and can expand on the information in your application with stories and anecdotes about your values, such as work-ethic, family and/or community commitment. Ideas: youth minister, team coach, employer/supervisor, club mentor, teacher, counselor
- Provide letters writers with adequate time to do a good job for you. A good rule is to provide a minimum of three weeks.
- Letters of reference are one tool you have to share information with the selection committee that you want them to know but don’t have another chance to share in your application.
More at www.scholarshipresources.org. Check out the course titled Standing Out. Here you’ll find more on letters of reference.
Tip #4 – Academics and your scholarship application.
Grades are important but they mean more than your cumulative GPA. It’s the story your grades tell. Be sure to explain your grades on your application. Did you or your family go through a hard time that resulted in a term with lower grades? Do you have a learning disability you’re working on overcoming? Maybe school does not come easily for you, but you have maintained high grades by forgoing other activities and prioritizing academics. These are all factors review committees will consider, if they know. It’s up to you to share your story. A common reason for disqualification occurs when students do not submit official transcripts. Make sure you know the requirements of the application you’re submitting. If official transcripts are required, you need to provide your school lead time to get those submitted on time. More at www.scholarshipresources.org. Check out Course #3 – Standing Out.
Tip #3 – Manage First Impressions!
When completing your scholarship application, be sure to capitalize all proper nouns, including your name, street address, city and state. The first section of an application commonly contains your contact information. Make sure this first section communicates professionalism and responsibility. Names that begin with a lower case first letter appear lazy or completed in a rush. Include a professional email address and make sure your phone voicemail is turned on and has a proper outgoing message recorded.
Tip #2 – Organize Your Information!
When you have done your research and know which scholarships you will apply for, create a reference guide of all the applications you have/will apply for, each application deadline, and the attachments you will need to request. This will help you save time and make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Most scholarship applications tightly follow the posted deadlines and exceptions are not made for late items. Each year WAEF disqualifies a significant number of applicants because they didn’t follow instructions.
Check out the information in the WAEF scholarship resources website under the Tips and Tricks curriculum for help with using your time wisely.
Tip #1 – Just Get Started!
There are just 75 days until our scholarship deadline! Sometimes, getting started is the hardest step. Click here www.waef.org/scholarships to start your application! You will need to answer five quick prequalifying questions before you begin filling out the official application. Once in, fill in all of the easy parts then make a plan to divide up the remaining sections. Likely, if you give yourself
an hour today to JUST GET STARTED you’ll find your nearly half-way to the finish line. If you have questions regarding our scholarships or where to find them, contact us at 509-663-7713 or via email at scholarships@waef.org
For more tips and assistance researching, completing and WINNING scholarships, visit the WAEF scholarship resources website at www.scholarshipresources.org.
Find the WAEF scholarship application and qualifications at www.waef.org/scholarships
