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HOW TO GET A SCHOLARSHIP

With the cost of education spiraling out of control, the scholarship game has become more competitive than ever. "You need to make sure you do everything—and I mean everything—to keep the cost of college down," said scholarship expert and bestselling author Mark Kantrowitz. Here are 17 great ways to increase your chances of winning a scholarship, according to Kantrowitz's new book, Secrets to Winning a Scholarship:
[In Pictures: 10 Smart Ways to Improve Your Budget.]
1. Prioritize
With tons of scholarships available to students, it is impossible to apply for them all. Therefore, you must learn to prioritize which scholarships you apply for by taking into consideration deadlines and the expected value of a scholarship (determined by multiplying the award amount by your odds of winning the scholarship).
2. Be Organized
Use a calendar to keep track of application deadlines. Also, be sure to have a checklist to go along with each application so you don't forget to include any supplemental materials. (See also: 40 College Resources for Parents and Students)
3. Make an Accomplishments Resume
Create a one-page portfolio of your greatest accomplishments. This will help you when you are filling out applications and sometimes you can even include the resume with your application.
4. Cater to the Scholarship Sponsor's Goals
Every scholarship has a sponsor and every sponsor has a unique set of goals. Be sure to tailor your application to their goals. If you are unsure of what their goals are, consider why they are sponsoring the scholarship and what kind of applicants they are looking for.
5. Follow Instructions
One of the quickest ways to not get a scholarship is to fail to abide by the instructions. Be sure to read through the instructions thoroughly and follow them. Also, avoid spelling and grammatical mistakes, otherwise your application may end up in the "no" pile.
[In Pictures: 12 Money Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes]
6. Stand Out
Do your best to make your application stand out from others. Make sure to clearly convey your hopes and dreams within your application so that the selection committee can get a clear picture of who you are and what sets you apart from the rest of the applicants.
7. Ask for a Nomination
Some scholarships require you be nominated in order to be considered. Don't be shy to ask for a nomination. Be sure to give your accomplishments resume to whoever is responsible for making the nomination and don't forget to send a thank you note to the nominator if they nominate you.
8. Write an Amazing Essay
Provide examples in your essay that support your self-evaluation. Specific examples are key when it comes to writing a great essay.
9. Select a Great Essay
Topic Choose an essay topic that allows you to showcase your originality and creativity. Steer clear of controversial or philosophical essays. Instead, use your essay to show your ability to solve problems and be honest.
10. Do This (and Not That) In Your Essay
Be sure to follow directions and not skip questions. Put the most important information at the beginning of your essay and the least important information at the end. Pull your reader in so they want to read your essay and don't be tentative in your writing. Talk about a subject that interests you and don't wait until the last minute to write your essay. Follow word limits precisely and don't edit your essay to death. Adhere to page limits and write the essay yourself; don't let your parents write it for you.

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