Dollars for Scholars


Scholarship Do's and Don'ts

Words of wisdom from Dr. William C. Nelson, former President of Scholarship America, the parent organization of Dollars for Scholars:

My words of wisdom for students applying for scholarship?  Apply early and apply often...with one caveat:  You need to take the time to do the research necessary to ensure you are eligible for a scholarship and that you meet their criteria.  Otherwise, you may spend time applying for scholarships for which you will never be considered.

The Scholarship "Do's"
Here are some basic steps to scholarship success:

  1. Finding scholarships starts with the high school guidance counselor. Hopefully the guidance office at your high school is filled with all kinds of resources including listings of many scholarships. Ask if you are eligible for a Dollars for Scholars scholarship either through a chapter in your school or through other chapters that award scholarships to students from your school. If there isn't a Dollars for Scholars chapter that serves your school, suggest that your counselor call the Northwest Dollars for Scholars office at 1.800.335.4512 to learn about the advantages of affiliating the school's scholarship program with ours.

  2. The next stop is the financial aid office at the college or university you will attend.  The counselors there should direct you to resources besides government grants, specifically, grants from the college or university itself or other scholarships.

  3. The Internet has become a good way to do initial research.  Scholarship America has its own "For Students" page at www.scholarshipamerica.org which is full of helpful information and resources.  Also, I would recommend websites such as: www.fastweb.com, a comprehensive scholarship search database; www.wiredscholar.com, Sallie Mae's financial aid site and scholarship database, and www.nasfaa.org, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators' website.

  4. The Public Library not only has printed scholarship listings, but also reference books about schools, foundations and companies that offer scholarship programs of all kinds.

  5. While you conduct your scholarship research, think about your own talents, interests and career goals.  What are you involved in at school?  Music?  Athletics?  Arts?  Drama?  Language clubs?  What majors are you considering?  Various organization give scholarships to students with particular interests or to those pursuing specific courses of study.

  6. Look to your own community.  The Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, American Association of University Women and religious groups sponsor scholarship.

  7. Consider where your parents work.  Employers may offer scholarships to the sons and daughters of their employees.  Scholarship America's Scholarship Management Services provides administrative support for some 850 such programs nationwide.

Some Scholarship "Don'ts"
You need to beware of possible scholarship scams. 
Think twice if you hear any statements like these:

"We know about scholarships that nobody else knows about.  We'll get you a scholarship fast - and easy."  Be wary of anyone who says they know about "secret" scholarships.

"Scholarships are your only options for financial aid"  Or, "you can only have one scholarship and we know which one you need."

"You have to be at the top of your class or a star athlete to get a scholarship."  Or, "you can't find scholarships on your own without us."

"All we need to know are your grades."  Or, "high school counselors don't have the time to help you."

"It costs money to find scholarships and we need money from you up front."  Always remember that you don't have to pay for scholarship information.