WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE?

Always keep your audience in mind. For example, if you are applying for a state scholarship or a scholarship from a state institution, you will want to show them how you are hurt and needy. They want to know that they are helping a low-income or at risk person have a better life. If you are a first generation college student, you should state that. If you came from a hard background, state that too. The committee wants to see that you've had hardships, but despite them you are carrying on. You are persevering to overcome these things that are trying to bring you down. Let the committee feel like they know you and make them feel sorry for you. However, if you did bad things yourself, avoid talking about those. If you are applying for a scholarship through a private institution they will want you to focus more on your successes. They want to know the great things you have done and what you plan to do. You need specifics and they want to know you are someday going to "be somebody" (and hopefully give money back into the foundation or institution).

WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM?

Research the donor. Often times the money is not coming from your school, but rather from a private donor or organization. The scholarship committee will try to award the scholarship(s) to people who they think the donor will like because they are hoping the donor will keep giving money.

WHEN IS IT DUE?

Get it in on time!!! I cannot stress that one. If you turn any of you materials in one minute after the deadline, there is a good chance they will all go into the trash and never be considered.

WHAT DO THEY WANT TO KNOW?

Address all of the requirements in your essay. For example, if it says this scholarship is for single male students with a 3.2 GPA, make sure you say in your essay that you are a single male student with a 3.2 GPA. Don't assume that it is a given since you are applying. Sometimes scholarship essays get thrown out because it isn't clear if the applicant meets the requirements.