How to Conduct a Successful Scholarship Search

Plan to apply for as many scholarships as possible.
Plan to invest some time into the project; repeat your search every month or so.
Develop a portfolio of reusable materials (e.g., essays, descriptions of yourself, goals etc.).
Learn from past scholarship winners.
Take stock of yourself. What makes you, well, you? Think about religion, hobbies and interests, ethnic background, geographics, family affiliations, physical attributes, educational goals - get to know you and use these attributes to conduct your search. Look for family connections, community service achievements, disabilities, and special talents.
Know how to Google. Don't just search "scholarship"; make it descriptive—try "Scholarship Foundations," "health professions scholarships," "scholarships for military children," "Scholarships for non-traditional students," "Occupational Therapy Scholarships."

In doing your scholarship research, be mindful of the claims that the organizations are making. Pay close attention to the examples below, as they may represent indicators that they are a scam.

Asking for your social security number or date of birth
Asking for payment to conduct a scholarship search on your behalf
Asking for your credit card or bank account number to hold a scholarship
Claiming the scholarship is guaranteed or your money back
Claiming you cannot get information anywhere else
Claiming to do all of the work for you
Claiming you have been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship
Claimnig you are a finalist in a contest you never entered

Develop Your Scholarship Game Plan

Research Resources

Beware of Scams

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