Scholarships - Introduction Scholarship criteria and tasks Winning scholarship applications Scholarship essays Scholarship scams Searching for scholarships with automatic notifications Don't apply to every scholarship Focus on "matching" scholarships Scholarship and Grant Summary Chart

Scholarship Criteria and Tasks

As you search for scholarships and prepare to apply for them, keep in mind that each scholarship has its own criteria for selecting winners.  Student eligibility and winner selection criteria are described in the “Rules” section of each scholarship along with instructions for submitting application materials.  Different scholarships have different requirements:

1. You will have to fill out an application form.
2. You may be asked to write an essay or complete a project showing your potential.
3. You may be asked to submit letters of recommendation, grade transcripts, and other documents.
4. Local and regional scholarships may require an interview with members of the scholarship selection committee.  See your counselor about applying for local and regional scholarships.
5. Scholarship programs usually specify that funds must be used to pay college tuition and housing costs and will only be paid directly to your college or university. 

Criteria for some scholarships include qualifying family income levels that demonstrate students are “in-need” of financial aid.