Start early
Edward, Alysha and Lauren all snared multiple scholarships because they started the application process in Grade 11. "Most of the bigger scholarships you have to apply for before the second semester of Grade 12," says Lauren. Also, the application process can be time-consuming; applications often require you to complete a questionnaire or essay and provide school transcripts and references. Lauren spent five or six hours on hers, while Edward spent up to 10 hours on his.
The payoff
Is all the effort worth it? Absolutely. "For my first year, I haven't had to pay anything. For the next couple of years, I have $11,000. The cost at Guelph averages about $16,000, if you're in residence and paying tuition, so it does make a difference," says Lauren. "All of the scholarships [seven, totalling $38,325] have helped me because my family is not very wealthy," says Alysha. Also, she doesn't need a part-time job during school, which leaves her more time to study. Beyond the financial benefit, scholarships look good on a résumé.
Back to basics
• Be as prepared as possible when filling out your profile on a scholarship site to ensure you receive the most appropriate matches.
• Consider the smaller scholarships, too; they often have fewer applicants.
• Develop a cover letter and résumé that you can adapt for different scholarships.
• Start looking at the scholarships in Grade 11 to see what's required. Many, for example, require a track record of community service, which you'll need to demonstrate when applying.
• Set aside an hour or two a week to work on the scholarships, so all the work doesn't pile up on top of schoolwork.
Read more:
• How to survive university
• Saving money for college or university
• From high school to higher learning
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