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Why am I not getting chosen for any scholarships?

I am in need of scholarships. I am consistently and constantly applying, but don't seem to be providing what each scholarship wants me to provide or say. How can I know what they actually want? I meet the eligibility criteria, but do not get chosen. How can I further set myself apart from others to show I have earned a particular scholarships? #scholarships

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Bri’s Answer

Hi,
Maybe you can talk to an advisor at the school to find out what are good essays. Have someone read over your essay & research to come up with ideas. Also try to apply for many grants. Here’s a website http://www.collegescholarships.org/grants/federal.htm
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your response and time. Daniel
Thank you comment icon No problem! Bri Scott
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Sheena Daree’s Answer

I agree with Bri's answer. It's worthwhile to talk with an advisor to get feedback and learn what successful applications for awards look like. Because there is such high need, demand and competition for awards it can be hard to receive funds, even when your materials are stellar.

I hope some of the below tips will be helpful and encourage you to keep applying.

This scholarship finder tool lets you sort thousands and thousands of awards by deadline, affiliation/background, gender, geographical area : https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx

Here's a list of awards with August deadlines: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/deadline/deadline-in-august

Use unigo.com to search for awards related to various parts of your identity, interests and background. There's lots of quirky and specific awards based on ethnicity, hobbies, intended major, opinions and even being left-handed!

Sheena Daree recommends the following next steps:

Expand your search for funds. It sounds like you're applying for a lot of scholarships. Start organizing your essays and materials so that it is easy to adapt them and apply for even more awards. Be sure your materials don't sound vague---they should always be in direct conversation with the language the funder uses.
Reread all of your materials and ensure you are addressing not why you need scholarships, but also what the greater impact of investing in you would be for the funder (think about your studies and goals, what contributions to society will completing your studies allow you to make? How will others benefit if you receive funding and therefore can continue in your studies? It may be that you'll serve as a role model, or that you'll later do work in an underserved community)
Consider applying for smaller awards that may be less competitive. Look for additional awards related to various parts of your identity, background, field of study and interests.
If there is a TRiO office at your school, reach out to them. My experience is that, at most schools, these are the advisors who are really committed to empowering students and can hopefully steer you in the right direction or let you know about hidden resources your school may have.
A lot of deadlines for the fall have passed, but it's a good idea to make a spreadsheet that you'll look at every couple of weeks that includes scholarship names, links, deadlines and requirements, so that you have a chance to apply for them in the future.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your time and assistance. I appreciate all the suggestions and information. Daniel
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Carlos’s Answer

Scholarships are very tough. I think in order to get a scholarship you need to build a strong relationship with the person who is evaluating the candidates. Most applications are very similar so I think a great relationship with the person who is evaluating the scholarship is very important. Also, the evaluator can give helpful tips when it comes to filling out your application.
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