Scholarship Tips and How-Tos

How to:

Tips

• Attend scholarship workshops.
• Keep track of deadlines and the materials needed to complete scholarship applications.
• Apply for both large and small scholarships. They all add up.
• Apply to all scholarships that you qualify for, not just one or two.
• Read the eligibility criteria for each scholarship.
• Follow the instructions carefully.
• Open the application and look for additional instructions or help text.
• Search other databases for external scholarships.
• Participate in extracurricular and community activities.
• When you are offered a scholarship, read and follow the instructions carefully to complete all required steps by the deadline.
• Keep track of the scholarships you receive and know if it is for one, two or more semesters.
• If the scholarship renews, know the eligibility criteria required to receive the renewal.

Essays

• Answer all questions asked in the essay.
• Avoid mistakes on your essay. Use spell check, proofread or ask someone else to proofread your essay for errors.
• Highlight positive aspects about yourself such as community involvement, leadership, volunteer work, awards or recognition received, or work.

How to Apply for Scholarships

1. Apply for scholarships at DallasCollege.edu.
2. Click on Paying for College.
3. Scroll down to Scholarships and Aid, select myScholarships, then myScholarship Opportunities.
   
4. You may apply for individual scholarships, or you can submit the general scholarship application to be considered for over 200 scholarships.
5. Apply for additional scholarship opportunities where you meet the eligibility requirements.
1. Hold mouse over Opportunities.
2. Select Recommended or All.
3. Click on the name of a scholarship to see if you meet the eligibility requirements.
4. If you meet the eligibility requirements click on Apply. Complete additional supplemental questions and submit when finished.


Note: International and DACA students should select 21-International/DACA from the Show Filters dropdown list. You can also use a keyword to search by your major or program of study.

6. Save your application to return and complete later. If you’re finished, click Submit.
7. Check your recommendations/references.

Things to Know

1. Answer all questions on the applications.
2. Write the essay. (See the application for details.)
3. Ask for recommendations/references, if required.
1. Ask the individual first so they know to expect an email from Scholarships@DallasCollege with a link to provide the recommendation on your behalf.
2. If asking a Dallas College employee for a recommendation, you must use their @DallasCollege.edu email address.
4. If you’re selected to receive a scholarship, you will be notified ONLY through your Dallas College email address. You may also check the status of your applications in myScholarships.
5. You have seven days to accept the scholarship AND complete the post-acceptance questions. All scholarship recipients must write a thank you letter to the donor and provide a photo.
6. Scholarship awards are sent to the Financial Aid Office approximately one week before classes begin.

How To Write a Scholarship Essay

Approach answering the essay question on your scholarship application as you would writing an essay for an English 1301 or 1302 class.

1. Read through the question, and make sure you understand it.
2. Be sure to respond to each part of the question.
3. Be as specific as you can to support what you say about your qualifications and life experiences. Try to think of examples that will show the reader what you mean.
4. Check your punctuation and grammar. Proofread carefully.
5. If time allows, leave your response for a short time, then go back and proofread it again before submitting it.

How To Ask for a Recommendation

Some scholarships may require letters of recommendation. Below are the steps you can take to ask someone to write a recommendation for you.

1. Read the scholarship description and criteria. Some scholarships ask for a specific person to provide the recommendation. Choose a person who is familiar with your work.
2. Contact the person (in person, by phone or by email) with your request before entering their name on your application. Be respectful, polite and appreciative of the time they are giving you.
3. You should ask for the recommendation at least 15-30 days in advance to give the person providing the recommendation enough time to write it.
4. Provide them with the name of the scholarship, what the scholarship is for (i.e., nursing, accounting, teaching, etc.) and the deadline.
5. Let them know the type of skills that should be highlighted in the letter for that specific scholarship. You can find this information by reading the scholarship description and the eligibility criteria.
6. Remember to send a personal thank you to everyone who provided a recommendation on your behalf.

How To Write a Scholarship Thank You Letter

Donors and organizations that provide funds for scholarships greatly appreciate receiving a thank you letter that allows them to see the impact of their gift in helping a deserving student!

The thank you letter shows appreciation, reminds them of why they give to students at Dallas College and encourages their support for future students.

See the outline below on how to write a thank you letter. Be sure to express enthusiasm and sincerity, write clearly and concisely, and remember to check your spelling and grammar.