5 Ways To Help Your Child Apply For Scholarships
College is expensive, and scholarships are one of the best ways to help your child pay for higher education costs. However, applying for scholarships can be long and arduous, so it’s essential to help your child prepare properly. Dennis Bonnen shares five tips to make the scholarship application process easier for you and your child.
Determine which scholarships your child is eligible for. Most scholarships require specific criteria that must be met, such as GPA requirements or community service hours. Researching each potential scholarship’s eligibility requirements helps narrow down options. Take time to look through all available options and create a comprehensive list of possibilities for your child to consider.
You may also want to ask someone else (like an English teacher or guidance counselor) to read over the applications before submission, just in case you missed something during your review. An extra pair of eyes, ones experienced in college applications, can help ensure nothing is amiss.
the scholarship. Remember that hundreds (or even thousands) of other students may also be vying for those same funds - so your child's application should stand out from the rest.
In addition, having an organized list of future goals will demonstrate their commitment towards pursuing higher education—which is often an important factor when awarding scholarships—so include those as well if applicable.
Research Early And Thoroughly
Researching potential scholarships should be one of the first steps in the application process. Start by checking with your child’s college or university, as they may offer scholarships specifically for students at their institution. You can also search online for private organizations that provide scholarship opportunities.Determine which scholarships your child is eligible for. Most scholarships require specific criteria that must be met, such as GPA requirements or community service hours. Researching each potential scholarship’s eligibility requirements helps narrow down options. Take time to look through all available options and create a comprehensive list of possibilities for your child to consider.
Encourage Your Child To Start Early
Many scholarships have deadlines months before college classes start, so encourage your child to begin working on applications as soon as possible. They should leave themselves plenty of time to create a good portfolio and write quality essays that showcase their achievements, goals, and personality. If possible, have them apply multiple months before any given deadline in case there are any problems or delays along the way.Help Review Applications Before Submission
Once your child has finished their scholarship applications, take some time to review everything with them before they submit anything. Make sure their essays are free from typos and mistakes, double-check that all requested information is included, and ensure that any accompanying documents meet all requirements.You may also want to ask someone else (like an English teacher or guidance counselor) to read over the applications before submission, just in case you missed something during your review. An extra pair of eyes, ones experienced in college applications, can help ensure nothing is amiss.
Create A Portfolio Of Achievements And Goals
One way you can help increase your child’s chances of winning a scholarship is by assisting them in creating a portfolio that outlines all their academic accomplishments. You should also include any awards or recognitions they may have received recently. The portfolio can help show selection committees why your child deservesthe scholarship. Remember that hundreds (or even thousands) of other students may also be vying for those same funds - so your child's application should stand out from the rest.
In addition, having an organized list of future goals will demonstrate their commitment towards pursuing higher education—which is often an important factor when awarding scholarships—so include those as well if applicable.
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