Although college scholarship deadlines happen throughout the year, a large portion of them follow the college admission schedule fairly closely. From September through December, prospective students usually visit schools, right there admissions essays, and send in all their forms. Around the same time, they should also be researching various scholarship opportunities, FAFSA applications, and grant options. Because this period can be extremely stressful, due to final grades, admissions essays, college visits, and SATs, well-prepared students and parents often begin their scholarship research several months prior, during the summertime.
Starting Early with College Scholarships
Starting early with
college scholarships means researching all of the available programs, books, and Web sites available well in advance. It also means securing recommendations from employers, mentors, and teachers as early as possible. Many scholarships require letters of recommendation from 1, 2, or even 3 authoritative sources. However, keep in mind that many of the people you ask to write your recommendations will also be asked by other students. By putting in your requests early, you can increase your chances of receiving well-written, non-rushed, glowing reviews.
Don't Wait for the College Scholarship Deadline
Whether your preferred college scholarship has a deadline during the admissions application season, months before, or months after, it's best not to wait until the last minute to send in all of your completed materials. Check your work thoroughly, get a second opinion (from a parent, advisor, or teacher), and send in the completed
college scholarship packet right away. The sooner you do this, the sooner you can turn your entire focus to more important matters, like saying goodbye to friends during senior year, boosting your grades, or perfecting your college admissions files.
