Heading to college? You likely have one big question on your mind: How am I going to pay for it? Scholarships can help bridge the gap between financial aid and tuition costs, but with so many students applying, how do you make your application shine? Here are four practical tips to help you stand out.
Provide Clear, Concise Explanations
Scholarship committees review hundreds of applications, so clarity matters. When listing extracurricular activities, jobs, or volunteer work, go beyond the name of the organization. Explain what it does and your role in it.
Example: Instead of writing “Mini-THON student leader,” say: “Led fundraising efforts for Mini-THON, a student-run organization supporting pediatric cancer research. Coordinated events and managed a team of 10 volunteers.”
Think of it as an elevator pitch – short, impactful, and easy to understand. Avoid fluff and focus on responsibilities and results.
Make Your Essay Meaningful and Authentic
Your essay is your chance to show who you are beyond grades and test scores. Scholarship reviewers want to understand your values, experiences, and aspirations. Share a personal story that shaped you. Something that reflects resilience, leadership, or growth.
Avoid: Copying quotes or statistics from the internet. Reviewers can spot generic essays instantly.
Do: Write from the heart. If the prompt asks about challenges, describe what you learned and how it changed your perspective.
Highlight Impact, Not Just Involvement
Listing activities is good, but showing impact is better. Did you raise funds, lead a team, or start a new initiative? Quantify your contributions when possible.
Example: “Organized a community food drive that collected 500 pounds of donations for local families.”
Numbers and outcomes make your application more memorable.
Proofread and Follow Instructions
It sounds simple, but many applicants lose points for missing details or typos. Double-check deadlines, word counts, and required documents. Ask a teacher or mentor to review your application for clarity and grammar. A polished application shows professionalism and attention to detail.
Bonus Tip: Apply Early and Often
Don’t wait until the last minute. Many scholarships have early deadlines, and applying to multiple programs increases your chances of success. Start with local organizations, credit unions, and community foundations – they often have less competition.
Winning scholarships is a great start but managing your money wisely once you’re on campus is just as important. A student-friendly checking account can help you avoid unnecessary fees, access your funds easily, and build healthy financial habits for the future. We offer tools and resources designed to make banking simple and affordable for students, so you can focus on your education, not your finances.
The content provided in this publication is for informational purposes only. Nothing stated is to be construed as financial or legal advice. Some products not offered by PSECU. PSECU does not endorse any third parties, including, but not limited to, referenced individuals, companies, organizations, products, blogs, or websites. PSECU does not warrant any advice provided by third parties. PSECU does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by third parties. PSECU recommends that you seek the advice of a qualified financial, tax, legal, or other professional if you have questions.