Ace your scholarship applications with tips from ETSU

Thinking about applying for scholarships? Maybe you’re looking for ways to stand out or even just get started. Scholarship applications can be daunting, but don’t worry. We talked to staff with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Office of Prestigious Awards at East Tennessee State University about tips and resources to make your next scholarship application your strongest yet.   

Kayla Carter with Financial Aid and Scholarships stressed the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and filling out personal information on applications thoroughly so you’re considered for every award you qualify for.  

 “Answer those as accurately as possible,” she said. “Don’t skip a question.”  

 And: Don’t be scared to “brag on yourself.” Put your best foot forward, she said, and discuss your accomplishments and how you achieved them.  

 She also suggests looking beyond Financial Aid for scholarships, such as your academic department or websites like fastweb.com, which can narrow down opportunities that suit your goals, needs and interests.  

 Once you find scholarships to apply for, create a system to keep track of applications you’ve submitted, due dates and other important information to save yourself time and stress.  

 Cassidy Blackwell with the Office of Prestigious Awards spends her time helping students with scholarship essays.  

 Many students aren’t very specific in their responses, she said: “Whatever the prompt is asking, make sure you’re giving concrete examples.”   

 Authenticity around your identity and experiences is one of the best ways to stand out among other applicants. However, Cassidy warned students to not feel pressured to “trauma dump” in scholarship essays.  

 “Dig deep, but only share what you’re comfortable writing on,” she said.  

 She also recommends prewriting before you formally answer a question.   

 “I don’t just mean making a standard outline. Be creative. ‘Word vomit’ on a page,” she said.  

 Even if you get off topic, getting your ideas on paper beforehand can give you a sense of direction and ensure you actually answer the prompt.  

 Cassidy highlighted the importance of asking for help. Enlist trusted teachers, counselors or mentors to hold you accountable, proofread your work and help navigate due dates.  

 “Differing perspectives can be helpful and will catch things you might otherwise miss,” Cassidy said. “Not winning a scholarship … does not make you any less capable or successful. Rejection … is not a reflection of your value. Please keep trying; do not give up on yourself.”  

The General Scholarship application will be open from Oct. 1-March 1. Find it here.  

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.