Organize your Scholarship Search

Before you start your seach for scholarships, it is important to have a system in place to help keep it all organized. Use the following steps to help guide you through the process:

Step 1: List the scholarships you've already found and for which you're likely to be eligible. Include the name of the sponsoring organization.

Step 2: Enter the website addresses or contact information for these scholarship opportunities so you can refer back to eligibility criteria and application requirements, such as letters of recommendation, essays, and transcripts.

Step 3: Find the deadlines for the scholarships you will be applying for and then put the deadlines into the calendar on your Smartphone or tablet so you don't miss it. NOTE: Don't set a reminder for the day the application is due. Set a reminder for two to three weeks in advance of the application deadline so that you have enough time to complete the paperwork and gather all required information.

Step 4: Note whether the application must be mailed, or if it can be e-mailed or submitted through an online form. If the application must be mailed, build extra time into your application schedule for mailing.

Step 5: Now that you have an organization system, keep looking for additional scholarship opportunities and return to Step 1.