Scholarship Application Tips

We're here to help you maximize your award!

You should apply for scholarships early and often. You don’t have wait until you’ve been accepted by a college or university to apply for scholarships. In fact, you can start applying for scholarships sometimes as early as a year before you start your academic journey in higher education
As with any deadline, pay close attention to scholarship application deadlines. You will be disqualified for eligibility if you miss the submission deadline
If you find you’ve missed a deadline for a scholarship you had your eye on, keep looking – there are hundreds of scholarships out there, all with different deadlines
Don’t discount the smaller scholarships – a few hundred dollars can offset costs, and being awarded more than one smaller scholarship adds up quickly
You don’t have to be an incoming freshman to qualify for scholarships. Be sure to investigate scholarships each year you’re in college. Nearly 50 percent of available scholarships are for students already in college
Many scholarships are based on financial need and academic achievement, but there are many others that have different eligibility requirements such as community service, first-generation, race and ethnic identity, community involvement, major or minor degree program, age, special talents and hobbies, or memberships in organizations

Make sure you are qualified for ALL scholarship criteria
- Are you in the field of study for which the scholarship is intended, if applicable?
- Do you meet the minimum test scores or grade point average, if applicable?
Assemble ALL requested information in the order in which it was requested, if one is specified
Include at least the minimum number of recommendations
Make your application and essays as neat as possible
Make your application and essays clear. Need some help? Check out the CU Denver Writing Center
If requested, reference all community service work and community affiliations
If required, complete the FAFSA for financial aid

When retrieving letters of recommendation, obtain multiple copies and have each signed in ink. Letters of recommendation may not be considered valid if the signature is copied and not signed
Always save copies of your essays for future reference
Make an ongoing list of activities and affiliations that you are involved in to refer to when completing applications
Taking time on your application conveys that you will take time and do well in the endeavor you are pursuing

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