Scholarship Information

Scholarship Scams

Federal Trade Commission: Signs of Scholarship Scams

1. “This scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
2. “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
3. “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”
4. “We’ll do all the work.”
5. “The scholarship will cost some money.”
6. “You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’ to receive a scholarship” or “You’re a finalist” in a contest you never entered.

In general, be wary of scholarships with an application fee, scholarships matching services who guarantee success, advance-fee loan scams, and sales pitches disguised as financial aid “seminars”.

Links: Scholarship Scams

• www.finaid.org/scholarships/scams.phtml
• www.finaid.org/scholarships/protecting.phtml

Maximizing Your Chance to Win

1. SEARCHING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

• Start searching for scholarships ASAP.
• Apply to as many awards as possible.
• Seek out less competitive scholarships
• Use up-to-date award information.
• Beware of scholarship scams.
• Ask the school about academic scholarships.
• Ask to be nominated.
• Don’t forget to renew your scholarship.

2. GETTING ORGANIZED

www.finaid.org/scholarships/organization.phtml

• Get Organized
• .Do not miss deadlines.
• Organize the application materials.

3. ESSAYS

www.finaid.org/scholarships/essays.phtml

• Read the directions.
• Do not skip questions.
• Write an interesting essay.
• Write an outline for your essay.
• Give concrete examples.
• Don’t exaggerate.
• Proofread you application.
• Ask a teacher or a parent to review your application.
• Type your application.

4. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

www.finaid.org/scholarships/recommedations.phtml

• Seek good letters of recommendation.
• Create an accomplishments resume.