When beginning a scholarship search, realize a couple of things: It is hard work, but hard work can pay off. 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:

• Get to know your professors, academic advisors, and community leaders
• Ask for these letters 3-5 weeks before they are needed
• Ask for at least 5 to 10 copies on official letterhead from the person
• Help the person writing you a letter
  • Provide them with a letter of what you are asking for, especially when specifics need to be addressed
  • Look on the web for “tips for writing letters of recommendations” that pertain to you and provide this to them
  • Give them your scholarship essay and your resume
  • Write a thank you note!

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.
• 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 internet. 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.

Helpful Tips for Submitting Scholarship Applications

• Have additionally requested materials sent prior to the deadline.
• Send your test scores early.
• Stay on top of deadlines! Missing them means missing out!
• Tell your story. Grades and test scores are important, but  your voice and life story is what sets you apart. Make sure you present a strong message about who you are, what you have accomplished and what your goals are.
• Proofread your application. Read through your application for errors as well as written quality. Have someone else look over your application to catch errors or make suggestions on the message you are trying to convey if needed.
• Follow Up! Follow through to make sure all your information is received for your scholarship application.
• 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 MyOregonState. You may review your scholarship payment status by logging into MyOregonState 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. 

OSAC Administered Scholarships

It's the mission of the Scholarship Team to expand opportunities for donors and students to invest in education and career training through private financial support. You don't need to be a merit scholar or a student with financial need to apply for OSAC scholarships. All types of scholarships are available. Many are based on criteria such as high school attended, school and community activities, academic interests, or career goals. Some require a minimum GPA and others require no GPA whatsoever. There are 600+ scholarship programs and you may qualify, but you won't know unless you apply.

Search the OSAC Catalog outside of the online application for eligible scholarships, or search within the online application and Apply Here by the annual Final Deadline of March 3. The Ford Family Foundation has begun to offer scholarships through their own scholarship application as well.

Scholarships

• Help pay your college expenses including tuition and fees, room and board, and books and supplies
• Reduce your student loan debt
• Honor your achievements

Through the generosity of private donors, civic organizations, employers, member-based organizations, and foundation partners such as The Oregon Community Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, and many others, thousands of students each year are the recipients of scholarships administered by OSAC.

OSAC awards more than $16 million in private scholarships annually. Awards range from $1000 to $10,000, or more.