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Scholarship Tips
Obtaining Information
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope when you request
application forms and information about scholarships by mail.
However, if you can get a form or routine information by telephone,
do so. The time saved is worth the cost of a phone call, even if it
is long distance.
Read the Fine Print
As soon as you receive the application, read the instructions carefully.
Pay attention to the information required. If the application requires
a transcript from all schools you have attended, request this information
as soon as possible. After a few weeks have passed, call the schools to
be sure that the transcripts have been sent to the proper address. If
by chance you have to hand deliver a transcript, do not tamper with the
seal. If the seal looks tampered with, the transcript may not be accepted.
The Reason Most Applications Come With a Phone Number
If you find that some instructions on an application are unclear, seek
advice either from the scholarship provider, the Scholarship Opportunities
Program office in 1200 Student Services II, an instructor, or an academic
counselor. Understand that when you call the office that the application
came from and ask questions, many others probably had the same questions.
Letters of Recommendation
Ask for letters of recommendation well in advance and discuss the kind of
information needed in the letter. A concrete, detailed letter from
someone--usually a professor--who knows you and your work well is usually
worth more than three or four letters from people who don't. Find that
person and give him or her time to write a strong letter. To assist the
people who write the letters, it is helpful to provide a copy of your
resume and/or something written about yourself. Let the writer know what
sorts of things you would like the letter to say. Information that you
give them may mean a more substantial and persuasive letter. Be sure
the writer knows the deadline. To ensure that the letter is sent on
time, ask the writer once or twice, before it is due, whether it is
finished, as a "friendly reminder." If the letter is delayed, ask
whether more information is needed. You will be reminding the writer
about your letter and at the same time giving the writer information,
if needed.
Practice Makes Perfect
If essays or statements of purpose are asked for (or paragraph-long
answers to particular questions), rework them over a series of drafts
until they are as well written as you can make them. A good essay or
answer--one that is concise, well organized, smoothly written,
interesting, distinctive, and without cliches or errors--may take
many drafts to produce. Show your application to a T.A., instructor,
counselor at the Scholarship Opportunities Program, or anyone else who
can give good criticism. Leave time for this rewriting and consultation.
The Finished Product
Type all application forms, letters, essays, questionnaires, or any other
information that needs to be sent as part of the application process. Proofread
all materials and make sure they are picture perfect. No obvious White Out, no
last-minute corrections with a pen, no misspellings, no errors, and no crumpling of
paper. Just to be sure, after making all the corrections, have someone else look
over the application and proof it.
Keep a Record
Just before sending your application to the scholarship review committee,
make copies of all parts of the application and recommendation letters.
You will want to keep these as a reference for yourself at a later date.
Find Out What has Worked for Other People
Improve your application techniques by talking and listening to anyone
and everyone you know who has won a scholarship. To do this, keep a look-out
on bulletin boards for workshops on and off campus and especially workshops
offered by the Scholarship Opportunities Program. People who have won can
give you new ways to look at the application process that will help you to
win, and they can inspire you to make the attempt.
Explore All the Possibilities
The last tip is that you continue to seek out scholarship opportunities as
you plan your educational future. There are many publications and databases
that give scholarship information. Through the UCI Office of Financial Aid
you can use CASHE, a computer scholarship search service that for a minimal
fee matches information about applicants against awards. Contact the Financial
Aid Office, 102 Administration Building, for the CASHE application.
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Division of Undergraduate Education