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When beginning a scholarship search realize a couple of things: It is hard work, but hard work can pay off. You will get told no. There are two main parts of obtaining scholarships; searching and applying, both of which take time.
You have searched for scholarships, now organize your data: Start a three ring binder with eight dividers labeled as: Scholarship Log, Scholarship Applications, FAFSA, Personal Statement or Essay, Resume, Community Service Log, Letters of Recommendation, Official Transcripts. Put due dates on your planner, calendar, phone, computer, etc.
Gather other documents to assist in the application process: Personal statement or essay (short and long term goals). In your essay be sure to highlight your talents, strengths, and gifts. Focus on obstacles AND HOW YOU OVERCAME THEM, what did you learn about yourself? Talk about experiences that have shaped who you are today. Then, based on where you are applying, you can focus on why you are pursuing scholarship funds. Review it! Use others to help give you feedback.
Letters of recommendation:
Other things to keep in mind:
>Send thank you notes to all places that have helped you in this process; your academic advisor for a letter of recommendation; the places you have applied to even if you do not receive a scholarship.
>If someone wrote you a letter of recommendation, and you end up receiving a scholarship, consider sending them another thank you note.
>You will need to report the outside/private scholarships that you are awarded to the Office of Financial Aid. Outside/private scholarships come from outside donors and can affect your financial aid package. Please submit the Reporting Additional Sources of Assistance form located on the Financial Aid Website or in MyOSU. You may review your scholarship payment status by logging into MyOSU as funds will be credited to your student billing account when received.Outside Scholarship checks should be mailed to Student Accounts at the following address: Student Accounts, Oregon State University, PO BOX 1086, Corvallis, OR 97339.
>Be persistent in seeking out other scholarship sources. Sometimes all it takes to get a scholarship is to find out who in your area is offering them: your church, your employer, your parents' employers, local civic organizations. You'll just need to fill out any required applications or interviews on time in order to be considered.
Ask employers. Your parents might already be aware if scholarships are provided for children of employees. If not, the human resource department is usually the place to check to find out what is available. The staff there should be able to provide applications, deadlines, and any other information you'll need. If you are employed, check with your employer to see if scholarships are available. Be sure to get any application forms and information about deadlines and complete the process on time.
Check local scholarships. Many community organizations, churches, and clubs offer scholarships. Your high school guidance counselor should be able to provide information about most of them, and can refer you to sponsors who can provide applications and information.
Search the Net. Using keywords like "financial aid," "student aid," and "scholarships.", you can find a wealth of free scholarship information on the World Wide Web. Some sites even allow you to apply online for scholarships. But, be careful . . .
Don't Get Scammed! Unfortunately, in their efforts to pay the bills, many students and their families are falling prey to scholarship scams. For more information on avoiding scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission's "Scholarship Scams" page. The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace.
Scholarship Resources at OSU
Scholarships are everywhere and there are many OSU websites that can help you connect to these opportunities.
OSU Scholarship Blog: http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/scholarships/
Cultural and Resource Centers: http://financialaid.oregonstate.edu/explore_osuresources
Education Opportunities Program: http://eop.oregonstate.edu/scholarships
Scholarships and Grants for Student Parents and Non-Traditional Female Students: http://familyresources.oregonstate.edu/scholarships-grants-student-parents
Oregon Gearup: http://oregongearup.org/calendar/scholarship
Disability Access Services: http://ds.oregonstate.edu/scholarships
Outside and Private Scholarship Resources
In researching sources of college funding, students are encouraged to seek out sources that provide free services and information, such as those listed below. OSU does not endorse any for-profit scholarship search service. Some helpful websites are listed below.