National Scholarships

Scholarship Tips

Apply for scholarships early. Don't wait until the last minute.
Pay close attention to deadlines.
Follow all instructions very carefully. If an application asks for an essay of 500 words, make sure not to exceed this limit.
Only apply if you meet the scholarship's minimum requirements.
Make sure to answer all parts of the application.
Proofread everything. Have someone else proofread everything.
Follow up with a phone call to make sure your application was received.
Adhere to deadlines.
Supplement your application with letters of recommendation if appropriate.
When asking someone to write a recommendation, make sure to give the person enough to time to write one for you. Two or more weeks is fair.
Send thank you letters.

Scholarship Scams

If it is too good to be true, it probably is.
Scholarship funds can never be "guaranteed."
If you have to pay to apply for a scholarship, buyer beware.
Use caution if a small, nominal fee is required in order to obtain a scholarship listing.
Before giving any organization money or your credit card number, check with the Consumer Protection Agency or your school counselor to make sure the organization is legitimate.
Beware of free seminars. There is usually a hitch and you may find yourself in an uncomfortable, high pressure sales situation.
"Millions of dollars go unclaimed!" is not an accurate statement. Most organizations allocate a certain dollar amount to scholars

Starpoint High School