• Most scholarships are based on MERIT, this means that students should focus on their academic performance and extracurriculars and community service.
• Lottery scholarships make sure that everyone who enters has an equal chance of winning.
• Community service is a major factor in standing out for scholarships, it also reflects a student's positive attributes and good values 
• It is often better to start looking for scholarships before your senior year (mid junior year is ideal) 
• Quality and perspective of an essay is more important than just technicalities 
• If you do not meet the criteria for a scholarship, it is not recommended that you apply at all (anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements is typically disqualified immediately) 
• You can apply for scholarships after you’ve already started college
• Be sure to look for scholarships outside of those allotted just through a specific school 
• USE SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE CALENDARS FROM INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS

Common Items requested for scholarship applications

• Updated Resume
• Transcript
• Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Copy of SAT/ACT Scores
• Copy of Community Service Log