Scholarships Process
Each of the ❝BOXED STEPS❞ 1-3 below contains information on each part of the scholarship process, review each step to
learn a scholarship skill. The ❝Other Helpful Tools❞ are available to guide you through other types of scholarship challenges sponsors
may require. Review this information as well. Success in your scholarship effort
can benefit you by contacting your Scholarship Specialist for more assistance.
Follow the PRINCIPLE:
Be part of the 10 - 15% who are ❝IN❞ every scholarship competition....... NOT just completing an application.
Step 1: How to Complete a Paper/PDF and Electronic Application.
Completing Scholarship Applications:
There are various types of applications, it is important that you FOCUS on the application type you are completing and ensure all the required information is included. Some applications are more complicated than others, being part of the 10 - 15% who are ❝IN❞ every scholarship competition is up to ❝YOU,❞ to optimize your chances make sure you review your application before you submit your application.
If you have any questions about your application contact the Scholarship Specialist.
Scholarship Applications Process
Complete Online Applications
● Take your time entering ❝All Information❞
● Ensure ALL numbers are entered correctly ❝Like Beginning ZERO'S❞ in ❝Student ID Numbers❞
● Enter dates exactly the way the system prompts.
● ❝Double Check❞ all information for spelling punctuation, format, and clarity ❝BEFORE❞ you submit your application on any online application website, this includes ❝AcademicWorks❞
● Keep track of your ❝Username and Password❞ as they may be used multiple times to edit the online application.
● Follow ❝Examples❞ when provided or use proper ❝Writting Standards❞ otherwise, never guess or do less than your best.
Complete Paper and PDF Applications
● Print each new blank scholarship application
● Read and follow ALL instructions/highlight the important points on the application
● Hand fill-in a rough draft application
● DO NOT turn in a handwritten applications
● DO NOT complete applications in all ❝UPPERCASE❞ or ❝lowercase❞ unless sponsors specifically DIRECT
● Fill out the final application and ensure you have spell and grammar checked before printing, saving, and/or mailing.
● Follow ❝Examples❞ when provided or use proper ❝Writing Standards❞ otherwise, never guess or do less than your best.
● Print application on white paper with a new cartridge, make (2 Copies) 1 - To send to Sponsor and 1 - To SAVE as Reference
● Sign and Date the Application
Step 2: How to Complete Personal Statement/Essay
Tips To Write your Personal Statement/Essay
The Personal Statement and/or Essay are two ways sponsors have for you answer their question or questions. How you answer their questions is the key to having success, being part of the 10 - 15% who are ❝IN❞ every scholarship competition, is up to ❝YOU.❞ To optimize your chances, follow the tips below and ask for help from the Scholarship Specialist .
Scholarship Statement Process
● Read and follow ALL Personal Statement Instructions/Essay
● Review the sponsor's scholarship webpage information completely
● Use the ❝Breakdown Essay Guide❞ to ensure you understand the question and/or the sponsor's website information
● KNOW THE DETAILS, not knowing means you ❝DONOT❞ want the scholarship.....PERIOD!!!
● Answer each question completely/use examples to support your answer
● Check your spelling, grammar, punctuation, style, flow, and readability checks on all papers
● Make sure the personal statement/essay conforms to the sponsor’s requirements
● Use the ❝Scholarship Essay Writing Resource❞ web page for assistance
● ALWAYS have your personal statement/essay proof read by your Scholarship Specialist, Professor, or Counselor
● Print on regular white paper Use a New print cartridge. Save a copy of the final draft w/ Q's on computer.
● Sign and Date the Personal Statement/Essay
Step 3: How to Request Strong Reference Letters
Get YOUR Reference Letter
Get a Great Reference Letter! Your Reference Letter is not built ONLY on your Academic Studies or your Work Skills.
It is built on much more!
Great References Letters are written about YOU as the PERSON you are, and a little to include some of your academics studies or work skills if your sponsor stats they want those facts. If the Reference Letter/Recommendation Letter is not a clear representation of who you are it should not be used. To eliminate poor outcomes provide background information to those writing your reference letter and be part of the 10 - 15% who are ❝IN❞ every scholarship competition, it is up to ❝YOU.❞ Optimize your chances, follow the process below and if you need help with the process or getting Reference Letters contact your Scholarship Specialist .
How To Get YOUR Reference Letter
● Read ALL application instructions, the sponsor may state what type and number of reference letters they require*
● Let the reference know it is best to write a General Reference Letter if no ❝SPECIFIC❞ type is known.
● Provide the reference with some general background information to assist them in writing your reference letter. Using your major, hobbies, interests, challenges you have faced/overcome, or goals as input (no more than one paragraph, in 5 - 8 sentences) for your Reference Letter. See an EXAMPLE of two General Reference Letters alternatly see Exanples of two Academic Scholarships Referenc Letters ❝ONLY.❞
● Cuyamaca College Faculty Letterhead paper AVAILABLE HERE for Cuyamaca College Faculty ❝ONLY.❞
● Give each reference a ❝Thank You❞ card for their reference letter.
● Use only those reference letters that clearly speak ❝well of you;❞ reference letters may be used for 9 – 12 months.
● The reference ❝Should Not❞ seal the letter in an envelop.
● Some people are not comfortable writing Reference Letters, they ❝DO NOT❞ have to write a reference letter, say ❝Thank you❞ and move on.
● Read your Reference Letters and send ONLY the best and number of Reference Letters requested by the sponsor.
* Note: If a sponsor does not indicate what type of reference letter is required, (General, Academic, or Major Specific...etc.) it is best to write a "General Reference Letter" that gives the best overall image of YOU.
** SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS HANDOUT
Document and Papers for use or Reprint
Document Listing
● Examples of two General Reference Letters
● Exanples of two Academic Scholarships Reference Letters
● Cuyamaca College Faculty Letterhead paper AVAILABLE HERE
Contact Us
For further assistance and guidance in applying for scholarships, please contact the
Scholarship Office. We are located in the Financial Aid Office (Building A300) at
the Student Services Center. To make an appointment please email your Cuyamaca College Scholarship Specialist, provide your Student ID number and the best date and time that you are available.