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Finding the Best College Scholarship Opportunities
College scholarship searching can be very frustrating for parents and their students. I know, I’ve been there! Keep reading…
If you need college scholarship help and advice, this #CampusChat Twitter chat is JUST FOR YOU. The focus of this week’s scholarship chat is how to find the best college scholarship opportunities.
My guest this week is Jessica Velasco of JLV College Counseling. Jessica is an independent college counselor. Prior to starting JLV College Counseling, Jessica worked at colleges in Calif & Wash. in admissions offices. She has served on multiple scholarship committees and has extensive knowledge about college scholarships. Her site has an amazing scholarship database and she will be sharing her advice on how to find scholarships in our chat. Here are all the details:
- What: #CampusChat Twitter Chat
- When: Thursday, December 1st (Did you miss the chat? The script is below)
- Time: 9-10pm, EST
- Topic: Finding the Best College Scholarship Opportunities
- Host: Monica Matthews @AidScholarship
- Guest: Jessica Velasco @Admissions411
- Sponsor: Smart College Visit @CollegeVisit
Here is the script in case you missed the chat:
Breaking Down the College Scholarship Application
Q1 All scholarship apps need a student’s name & email address. What are some do’s and don’ts here? #CampusChat
A1 Use a professional email address, such as your name for all college and scholarship communication. #CampusChat
A1 Double and triple check you entered your email correctly. It might be the only way they will contact you. #CampusChat
A1 Refrain from using an email that can be seen as offensive – No alcohol, drug, sex, or violence references. #CampusChat
Q2 What about the scholarship essay? How can a student get his or her essay to stand out to the judges? #CampusChat
A2 Catch the reader’s attention early. If it doesn’t catch their interest early, they may stop reading. #CampusChat
A2 Reread your essay – if someone could send in the same essay, they probably will. Make the essay uniquely yours. #CampusChat
A2 Be yourself – don’t write what you think the judges want to read. #CampusChat
Q3 Should students include a scholarship/activity resume with their apps? Do they really help? #CampusChat
A3 Resumes/Brag sheets are great ways to showcase all of the great things you’ve done – include one if you can. #CampusChat
A3 Resume/Brag sheets can highlight accomplishments that you may not have been able to share in the scholarship app #CampusChat
A3 Do not include if directions say do not include additional items. Not following directions = no scholarship #CampusChat
[Be sure to read: What to Include on a College Scholarship Resume]
Q4 So many scholarship apps are submitted online now. What tips can help make them impressive? #CampusChat
A4 Use fonts that are easy to read. Fancy fonts probably will not impress the judges. #CampusChat
A4 If asked to submit a document, don’t use a program that is not common – they may not be able to open it. #CampusChat
Q5 There is often an “other info” box that students can fill out. What should they say here, if anything? #CampusChat
A5 Add info that could make your case for the scholarship – more details about activities, etc. #CampusChat
A5 Don’t Repeat – Don’t use “other info” to repeat info that was already included in the scholarship app. #CampusChat
A5 It’s okay to leave the “other info” area blank if everything was already included in the scholarship app and essay. #CampusChat
A6 For physically mailed-in scholarship applications, what are some important tips? #CampusChat
A6 Mail all app materials together, including the rec if you can. This will ensure they get everything they need. #CampusChat
A6 Don’t guess about postage. Take it to the post office to ensure you pay the correct postage. #CampusChat
A6 Adding tracking can ease your mind when you’re wondering if it has been received. #CampusChat
Q7 Most scholarship apps require a letter of recommendation or two. How can students get the best one possible? #CampusChat
Open to High School Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors! APPLY NOW HERE
A7 Give your rec writers at least a few weeks to write the rec – last-minute requests might not be accommodated. #CampusChat
A7 Give rec writer details about scholarship – Writer may choose to cater the rec specifically to the scholarship. #CampusChat
A7 Provide a brag sheet. Even if you know the rec writer well, they might have forgotten all of the great things you’ve done. #CampusChat
Q8 What are some ways that students can further impress judges on a scholarship application? #CampusChat
A8 Follow all directions. Not following directions could automatically disqualify you for the scholarship #CampusChat
A8 Answer all questions. Don’t get caught up in telling your story and forgetting something the essay prompt asks for. #CampusChat
A8 Make your essay stands out – the essay could be the only thing that distinguishes you from other qualified applicants. #CampusChat
[You may also like to read: 4 Simple Steps to Impress College Scholarship Judges]
Q9 Do judges check the social media habits of students? How does this behavior impact scholarship decisions? #CampusChat
A9 Some check social media, others do not. Always be safe and assume they will check social media. #CampusChat
A9 Your online presence should match how you are presenting yourself to the scholarship judges. #CampusChat
A9 Negative and unprofessional activity online could lose you the scholarship, even if you were the most qualified. #CampusChat
Q10 What are your 3 BEST tips for submitting college scholarship applications? #CampusChat
A10 Read the scholarship information closely. Follow the directions carefully – not following directions could disqualify you #CampusChat
A10 Submit an essay that stands out from the crowd – don’t send in the safe essay others will also submit. #CampusChat
A10 You don’t have to wait until the deadline – there could be unforeseen circumstances that could make it late. #CampusChat
Monica Matthews is the author of How to Win College Scholarships. She helped her own son win over $100,000 in college scholarships and now shares her expertise with other parents and their students. She truly has “been there, done that” in regards to helping parents and students navigate the scholarship process.
Her method of helping students in finding college scholarships, writing unique and compelling scholarship essays, creating amazing scholarship application packets and more, have taught desperate parents to help their own students win thousands of scholarship dollars.
Monica’s scholarship tips have been featured on many prominent websites and she has been dubbed the “Go-To” expert on college scholarships.
