Start your search early
It takes a considerable amount of time for applications to be submitted, reviewed, and paid out. You cannot wait until tuition is due to start your scholarship search. Start looking for scholarships before you start your program and keep looking throughout your program.
Use free methods to identify scholarships
You should not have to pay to search for scholarships. Start with Perry Tech’s website or applications in the financial aid department. If you are still in high school, contact your counseling office to find out if there are any you may qualify for. Consider companies that you are connected to and if they have scholarships (your bank, employer, parent’s employers, etc). Search online using your program or future career for keywords.
Apply
It may seem obvious, but you have to apply to receive a scholarship. Scholarships come in all different amounts and are offered from a variety of groups, businesses, and individuals. Don’t overlook the small scholarships; putting in the effort is worth it. While you may not receive every scholarship you apply for, don’t give up. Funding is available to individuals with the right amount of persistence and dedication. Applying is the first step in making that money yours.
Complete the application in full and follow the directions
Read the full application and answer every question in full. If there are questions that do not apply to you, indicate that, don’t leave them blank. If you are unsure of how to answer a question, contact the organization to get clarification. You don’t want your application to be removed because you didn’t answer a question or failed to include a required attachment.
Manage your time well and submit early
Identify the scholarship deadline and plan time to secure required documents, write essays, and proof read. If you must mail the application, plan appropriately so that your information is received by the scholarship organization BEFORE the deadline. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application, you never know when there might be an issue with your computer or the internet connection.
Proof read
Take the time to proof read your application to ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Read your application out loud to hear how it sounds. Have someone else read your application to spot any errors that you may have missed. Pay special attention to language that is too casual (you don’t want your application to sound like a text message). Neatness counts.
Ask for help if you need it
If you are unsure of how to proceed with an application, ask for help. Staff in the Perry Technical Institute Foundation Office are happy to help answer questions about applications or to proof read for you.
Your scholarship represents you
Your application represents you to the committee that is reviewing it. It is likely the only information that they know about you is what they read in your application. Make sure that you are representing yourself in a way that shows you are a deserving recipient of the scholarship and will use the funding to help you achieve your goals.
Stay positive
Whether you win the scholarship or not, you are increasing your chances every time you apply. Your goal should be to find as many scholarships that you qualify for and turn in completed applications on time. The more times you apply, the faster and easier each application becomes. You can’t win all of them, but every success helps.
