If you are just now starting the journey of searching for scholarships do not feel ashamed. College and all of the obligations that come along with it are not that easy. However, you can make it much easier on yourself by getting started now. Use this calendar that I have created year to get on top of the scholarship application process and never miss a deadline.

 

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September 10-14: Take a piece of paper or open a word document. Make a comprehensive list of all your unique qualities and your qualifications. What is your current or intended major? What are your career goals? Do you plan on being a Dentist or an Accountant? What clubs have you participated in over the years? All the things that you are writing down will help you narrow your scholarship research. Knowing what you qualify for will make the application process run smoothly. You’ll need a few days to do this to make sure that you don’t miss anything.

Bonus: Once you have a list of your qualifications, write a brief description of that qualification. What were your duties in that club? Why did you choose this major? Why do you want to be an Astronaut? This will be useful later when you have to write essays. You will already have a foundation to start writing from.

September 15-18: Sign up for scholarship application sites. They make the application process run smoothly by providing you the resources, reminding of you of due dates and allowing you to save scholarships that you like.

Here’s an official list of good sites to use:

• Cappex: I used this back in 2013 when I was preparing for college. This website has the best database of scholarships from you to choose from.

• Fast Web: This site is great at matching you to scholarships that you qualify for.

• Unigo: Has the best “easy” scholarships to apply to.

• Scholarships: Has a great scholarship directory.

• Big Future: This site is operated by the College Board but isn’t my favorite to use. Great scholarships can be found on here.

 

September 19-23: Now that you have signed up for at least two scholarship resource websites, begin to save the scholarships that you qualify for using the list that you made a few days ago. As you save them write on your calendar the deadlines.

 

September 20-28: Get your recommendations and references together. Write a list of candidates who can give you a strong, positive reference. Start communicating with them about what you are trying to do and what you need from them. Never wait until the last minute to ask for a recommendation. If the application doesn’t explicitly state that it is against the rules, ask to see the recommendation before they send it off.

 

September 24-28: Find out what your school (high school or university) offers for current students by asking your advisor/counsellor. You can also find this information on your school’s website. Research local scholarship opportunities for your area of residence (county, city or state). If you’re not sure what to type in try this:

• Annex County Scholarships

• Charlotte, NC Scholarships

• New Jersey Scholarhips

 

Now that you have completed all of these steps you should have a good amount of scholarships to apply to depending on your major, GPA and other required qualifications.

• Try to complete your application a week before it is due.

• Make sure your essays are proofread.

• Don’t waste time applying to scholarships that you do not qualify for.