From Mapping-Your-Future.org

1. Start looking for scholarships EARLY! The more time you dedicate to your search, the more options you will have. Then, apply for EVERY scholarship for which you are eligible. 
2. Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines! Pay close attention to due dates. 
3. Follow directions. Provide everything that is requested, but no more than is required. 
4. List all activities and honors. Highlight those that are relevant to the scholarship in your essays. 
5. Neatness counts. Type your application. 
6. Make a photocopy of the application before you begin. If you make a mistake, you can start fresh with a clean copy. Also make a copy of the completed application, so you can resend it if the original is lost. 
7. Ask for help if you need it. If you have problems with the application, don't hesitate to call the funding organization. 
8. Write an essay (see below) that makes a strong impression. Tell a story, use personal examples and be specific. 
9. Choose references who know you well and give them ample time to write the letter of recommendation. 
10. Give it a final "once-over." Ask a friend, teacher or parent to proofread it.

Tips For Success
Mark Kantrowitz, Bridges.com

"The best tip I can give is to start searching for scholarships and learning about financial aid as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the better off you'll be."

Scholarships are another potentially lucrative source of financial aid. After doing your research and finding the perfect scholarships for you, the next step is catching the judges' attention. Kelly Tanabe is the author of eight books on college planning and co-founder of a college planning website.

"You have to remember that scholarship judges sometimes have as little as 60 seconds to look at an application," says Tanabe.

"One of the most important things that you can do is make them stop when they get to your application. You can do this by writing a powerful scholarship essay. Simply put, the best scholarship essays demonstrate to the judges why you deserve to win.

"If you are applying for a scholarship based on public service, don't waste your space writing about your athletic achievements or your travels. Focus on how you have volunteered and how you have served your school or community. Think about what the purpose of the award is, why the organization is giving away the scholarship, and then show the judges how you fit that purpose."

Tanabe also suggest simplifying the process when you are applying for multiple scholarships. "There are literally thousands and thousands of scholarships available, and your challenge is not going to be finding scholarships, but making the time to apply to all of the scholarships that you find. Applying for scholarships could become a full-time job.

"To keep applying under control, you need to recycle your essays. Figure out how you can use one essay that you've written to apply to a number of scholarships. Can you change the introduction or conclusion? Can you include different examples to illustrate your point? As you do this, though, be careful that you are still answering the question posed."

One of the biggest differences between a scholarship essay and any other essay, Tanabe says, is that more than anything else, you are trying to market your strengths and how they fit with what the scholarship organization is looking for.

"Put yourself in the shoes of the judges. What qualities will they want to see in your essay? If you are applying for an award for students who are both academically and athletically talented, think about how you can show both of those strengths."

"The bottom line is that the scholarship judges want to learn about you and why they should give their money to you."

Write a Great Essay

Whether you're working on an essay for college admission or a scholarship application, or just want to improve your writing skills, the tips below can be a big help.

• Read the directions carefully. Make sure you understand the application or assignment completely.
• Spend some time brainstorming. Think of topics that highlight your strengths, creativity, struggles you've overcome, or an issue you're passionate about.
• Have a plan. Outline some notes for yourself including the message you want your essay to get across.
• Brainstorm for ideas! List all your attributes/dreams and barriers that you might have overcome or are addressing now.
• Write a rough draft. It doesn't have to be perfect or even good, but it's the best place to start.
• Write a better draft. Include anything you missed and remove anything that doesn't help make your point.
• Don't be afraid to start over. If the topic isn't working or it's just not going in the right direction, feel free to start from scratch.
• Ask for help. Your high school English teacher, a friend who consistently writes 'A' papers, or a tutor can all be great sources of help.
• Use spell check and proofread carefully. Whatever you do, don't submit an essay with a grammatical error or typo. Double and triple check your work, and ask someone you trust to review it with fresh eyes.
• Save your essay. You may be able to rework it and use it for other scholarships or admissions applications.
• Be careful. Don't write an essay that's generic; it needs to describe you and give the reader a chance to KNOW you personally. Your goal is to stand out from the rest of the applicants by reflecting on experiences and providing your unique perspective.
• Is your essay tailored toward the mission of the institution/business you're applying to? This will determine if you're an ideal candidate.
• Give examples. Be specific. You don't need to repeat what's already on your resume.
• Long words and obscure vocabulary aren't necessary, as they may come across as fake and showy. Big words do NOT make a good essay. Advanced vocabulary is fine only if it comes naturally to you.