“How Do I Start Applying for Scholarships online?”

Important note to readers: It’s extremely important to focus on local opportunities while mixing in other niche opportunities (like the ones you can find using scholarship websites + google!) To check out a FULL guide on how to strategically find both local and specific opportunities, head to Step 6!

A quick guide to starting your scholarship search using free online websites:
A lot of students have been telling me that they want to start applying for scholarships, but they aren't sure where to start.

Entering your scholarship journey can feel a bit intimidating, but it doesn't have to be!

Here's a list that breaks down a good place to start with the application process!

Step 1: Choose Your Scholarship Plug…

Find a free scholarship database that you like! You don't have to pay to find scholarships. Most sites do it for free!

Some of the top websites include:

You can use of a combination of these sites to see which one works for you. I recommend finding 2-3 preferred ones that you continuously check for new opportunities.

PRO TIP: Create a separate email account that you check often so you don't flood your main/student email address.

Step 2: Find your Niche

Fill out your profile and include all your different demographics including GPA, any test scores, clubs/orgs, academic achievements/awards, current grade level, etc. Be as detailed as possible.

This is going to help the scholarship website start recommending applications that you're qualified for! The more niche (specific) a scholarship is to your unique needs, the higher your chance is of winning it!

Step 3: Create a routine!

Set a (do-able) monthly goal for scholarships that you find & complete for that month. Increase this goal as you go!

PRO TIP: It might help to create an excel sheet with the scholarship name, brief description, and due date so you can stay organized!

Both physical and digital calendars can also be helpful to keep up with deadlines!

Step 4: Save your work!

Once you begin to apply for scholarships, save every application and essay that you complete!

You can do this using a free google drive account. These responses will slowly build up and you'll soon start to see that most applications are asking you the same things!

Over time, you will learn how to cherry-pick some of your best responses! This will make the application process quicker and easier, and soon you'll be speeding through applications.

Step 5: Believe in yourself!

Trust the process. I was denied over and over again until I got just the right amount of organizations to tell me yes!

Know that the journey is worth it!

--

Step 6: Don’t forget to search locally too!

Local opportunities have WAY less competition than most awards that you can find online. For tips on how to develop a strong scholarship strategy, click here to access a video that further breaks this down!

—

If you haven't already, get the free scholarship guide for extra tips and resources on how and where to apply!