RESOURCES FOR PROSPECTIVE SCHOLARS: HELPFUL HINTS

• Obtain applications as early as possible.

• Photocopy all applications. Practice filling them out, and always keep a back-up blank copy.

• Pay attention to DEADLINES. Verify whether an application has a post-marked by deadline or a received by deadline. Admissions offices and scholarship committees strictly adhere to published deadlines.

• Read the directions on the application, and clarify any questions you have regarding the details of the application before the deadline.

• Check with the scholarship committee or admissions office early in your high school career to verify that you are taking a college prep curriculum and pursuing a course of study that will position you well for admission to the specific programs in which you might be interested. A strong academic record clearly indicates that you have taken the most challenging courses available to you throughout all four years of your high school career.

• Prepare yourself to take the SAT or ACT by taking practice tests like the PSAT & NMSQT. These tests will show you early in your high school career how college admissions tests are administered as well as and indicate areas where you need to improve for the ACT & SAT.

• Take practice ACT & SATs; familiarize yourself with the directions, the pace and length of the test and question format.

• Check out the College Board and ACT websites for more information.

• Most scholarship and college admissions committees are looking for students who have been actively involved in their schools and communities and who have demonstrated leadership, initiative and a high level of involvement throughout their high school careers.

• Abide by length requirements, and proofread.

• Clearly make a statement in your answers, and be sure that your answer directly addresses the questions posed.

• Demonstrate the clarity of your writing, as well as the depth and quality of your thought. Be authentic. Whether discussing a personal issue or an issue of national concern, allow your passion to stand out.

• Most scholarships require extensive recommendations. Think carefully about who knows you best when selecting your recommenders and give each of them plenty of time to write you a strong letter of recommendation.

• Inform your recommenders of the requirements of the scholarship and ask them to address how you match the selection criteria.

• Check in with your recommenders at least a week before a deadline and make sure they are aware of all deadlines.

• Send a thank you note! Writing a good letter of recommendation is hard work!

• Review your essays and application before your interview; it is likely that you will be asked specific questions about issues you raised in the materials you submitted.

• When answering questions, be detailed and specific, demonstrate your goals and achievements.

• Be prepared to discuss why the scholarship/program/school is right for you.

• Demonstrate your knowledge of the scholarship/program/school through thoughtful answers and questions.

• Dress appropriately.

• Campus visits, if at all possible, will help you discover if a college or university is right for you. We highly encourage you to participate in campus visit days while an institution is "in-session."

• Nothing substitutes for walking around a campus, sitting in on classes, eating in the residence halls, sleeping in the dorms, meeting faculty, shadowing students, checking out special facilities and talking to students.

• Check to see if an institution is a match for who you are and what you want to accomplish during your undergraduate experience.