|
|
Competing for Free Scholarships From Corporations
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
InstructionsStep 1: Find available scholarships to fit your own situation and needs. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to find corporate scholarships in your community and check out FastWeb online for the largest free scholarship-matching site on the Internet. Register and let FastWeb find all the scholarships that match your goals and accomplishments. (See Resources.)Step 2: Complete your scholarship application as neatly as possible. When you're competing against other students for a corporate scholarship, professionalism counts. If possible, complete the application on your computer and print it out. Otherwise, use a high-quality ballpoint pen and your best handwriting for a neat look.Step 3: Follow directions. Nothing will get you kicked out of the competition as quickly as not reading the fine print and completing all of the required steps. If the application calls for a 500-word essay, a 300-word essay may get your application disqualified.Step 4: State your case early in your application cover letter and avoid repetition. This applies to both online applications and those you send by postal mail. Complete your cover letter offline, in a word-processing program, and re-read it with a critical eye.
Your opening paragraph should include your reason for applying and the rest of the letter should state your qualifications. Make sure your letter is error-free before pasting it in an online form or before printing and mailing.Step 5: Follow up with a phone call. Corporate scholarships depend upon a person or a board making a decision as to which students are the most qualified. Make sure they know you are interested in winning the award by contacting members of the board personally. Avoid taking up much of their time, just mention that you hope they received your application and that you are very interested in the award. A couple of minutes is sufficient.Step 6: Personalize your application. You may design a work record and an experience record that you print for every scholarship application but unless you're filling out an online form that does not allow you to enter anything personal, you should gear your application to each specific corporation. For instance, if you're applying for a Coca-Cola scholarship, include at least one line stating how you've enjoyed their soft drink since you were a small child.
Tips & Warnings- Apply for as many scholarships as you can. Since the competition for larger financial awards is often highly competitive, you increase your chances of finding assistance by sending out numerous applications to a wide range of corporations. Don't bypass the small awards. Competition for those scholarships is often less competitive and the money adds up when you win several of these scholarships.
Related Content
Because of the evolution of online universities, more people than ever before are able to earn college and graduate degrees. Earning a degree at an online university is often more convenient and...
Grants and scholarships are two forms of financial awards that students can receive toward education costs. Most students obtain grants or scholarships through their school's financial aid package,...
After the stress of the SATs passes and you set your sights on the college or university of your choice, it's time to figure out the best way to pay for your higher education. There are hundreds of...
Many students dream of one day attending college, but do not know how they will pay for it. Many times, parents work hard and earn a wage that is good enough to take care of the necessities, but...
Going to college has many benefits, but sometimes it is a financial burden for families, especially those who are sending multiple kids to college. There are great resources out there that students...
|
- Relationship advice
- Brain teasers, trivia & jokes
- Random questions
- And much more!
go