In This Issue
Scholarship Sources
  The search for scholarships
 Scholarship Information
 Requesting scholarship information
 Matching Students and Scholarships
Matching scholarships with students
Scholarship Criteria
 The scholarship selection process
The Scholarship Application
Preparing the perfect application
Scholarship Decisions
Packaging your application for success

Return to the Front Page

Return to College Planning Network Home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Requesting Scholarship Information

Getting information about scholarships is as easy as picking up the phone, sending an e-mail or writing a postcard. The organizations that administer scholarships have booklets, brochures and applications just waiting to be sent to interested students.

You can call or write. If you call, be sure to get the name and title of the person with whom you spoke. They may ask you about your academic and extracurricular interests. This is not a formal interview, but a way to see if their program is appropriate for you.

If you write or e-mail, be sure include your name and full address. Tell them when you hope to start school (i.e., when you will be applying). When writing for scholarship applications, it is better to send a short letter of introduction. The following should be included in your letter.

  • If you know the person's name, use it.
  • Ask for information.
  • Tell them anything about yourself that makes you an appropriate candidate for their award.
  • Let them know why you want the award.

Keep a list of the programs where you requested information; note the date. Generally, if you have not received anything back within a month, you should call the office and ask again. If you are requesting information close to the deadline, you should definitely call to request application materials. Organizations may extend the deadline by a week of two if you call close to the deadline. BUT, do not rely on that - it is better to request information early, giving yourself enough time to complete a strong application.