How to Increase Your Chances When Reapplying for Scholarships

If you applied for scholarships before and didn’t get any, don’t give up hope. You can still improve your chances of winning scholarships by reapplying with a better strategy. There are many ways to improve your chances of winning scholarships when you reapply. Here are some tips to help you craft a better scholarship application and stand out.

Review Your Previous Applications and Feedback

One of the best ways to improve your scholarship applications is to review your previous ones and identify what went wrong. If you received feedback from the scholarship providers, note what they said and how to improve. If you didn’t get any feedback, review your applications and look for areas of improvement. For example, did you answer the essay questions clearly and convincingly? Did you provide enough evidence of your achievements and goals? Did you proofread your applications for errors and typos?

Update your Resume and Personal Statement

Your resume and personal statement are essential for your scholarship applications, showcasing your achievements, skills, and goals. Ensure your resume and personal statement reflect your most recent accomplishments and abilities. Include any new accomplishments, awards, experiences, honors, publications, projects, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities you have gained and participated in since your last application. Highlight the skills and qualities relevant to the scholarship you are applying for. Use strong action verbs and specific numbers to quantify your impact.

Seek Out New Opportunities and Experiences

One way to increase your chances of winning scholarships is to expand your horizons and seek new opportunities and experiences that align with your interests and goals. For example, you could take a challenging course, join a club or organization, participate in a research project, attend a workshop or conference, or pursue an internship or job in your field of interest. These experiences will enrich your education and career and show the scholarship providers that you are proactive, curious, and committed to learning and growing.

Research the Scholarship Provider and Criteria

Before you reapply for a scholarship:

1. Research the scholarship provider and their goals, values, and mission.
2. Find out what they are looking for in a candidate and how they evaluate applications.
3. Read the scholarship criteria carefully and meet all the requirements and deadlines.
4. Tailor your application to fit the specific scholarship and show how you align with their vision and purpose.

Tailor your Applications to Each Scholarship

One of the biggest mistakes that scholarship applicants make is submitting generic or recycled essays and materials. This shows a lack of interest and effort and reduces your chances of winning. Scholarship providers want to see that you have researched and are genuinely interested in their mission and values. To stand out from the crowd, tailor your applications to each scholarship by addressing the specific requirements, questions, and prompts. You should also highlight how you fit the mission and values of the scholarship and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals. Use keywords and phrases from the scholarship description and website to show you are a good fit.

Write a Compelling Essay or Personal Statement

One of the most essential parts of a scholarship application is the essay or personal statement. This is your chance to showcase your personality, passion, and potential. Write about something meaningful to you and related to the scholarship theme or prompt. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and demonstrate your achievements. Avoid generic or clichéd statements and focus on what makes you unique and deserving of the scholarship.

Ask for Strong Letters of Recommendation

Another crucial part of a scholarship application is the letter of recommendation. This is where someone else vouches for your character, abilities, and suitability for the scholarship. Ask for letters of recommendation from people who know you well and can speak positively about your academic performance, leadership skills, community involvement, achievements, or other relevant aspects. Choose people familiar with the scholarship you are applying for and can highlight your strengths and achievements in relation to it. You should also provide them with relevant information about the scholarship, your resume, and a draft of your essay to help them write a compelling letter.

Proofread and Polish your Applications Before Submitting them.

Finally, before you hit the submit button, proofread and polish your applications carefully. You don’t want to ruin your chances of winning by making spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. You can use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to check and improve your writing quality. You can also ask someone else to read your applications and give honest feedback. Ensure you follow each scholarship’s instructions, word limits, and deadlines, and keep copies of everything you send. Ask someone else, such as a friend, family member, teacher, or mentor, to review your applications and give you honest feedback.

Submit your Application Early and Follow Up

Be sure to submit your scholarship application before the last minute. Give yourself enough time to review your application and make necessary changes or corrections. Submit your application well before the deadline and keep a copy for your records. After submitting your application, follow up with the scholarship provider to confirm that everything is in order and that they received it. Send a thank-you note to express your appreciation and interest in the scholarship.

The Bottom Line

Reapplying for scholarships can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding and worthwhile experience if you approach it with a positive attitude and a growth mindset. Following these tips can increase your chances of winning scholarships and achieving your educational and career goals.