How to Apply for Scholarships A Scholarship Guide for CSULB Students Presented by The Center for Scholarship Information
Common Scholarship Myths Scholarships are only for honor students with a 4.0 GPA Only the captain of the volleyball team gets scholarships
Who Can Win Scholarships? All CSULB Students! All Major Sexual Orientation Ethnicity Working Students Disability Undocumented student Military Affiliation Community Service Club affiliations Etc.
Where to Apply for Scholarships CSI Website http://www.csulb.edu/scholarships 1. Hot Scholarships 2. Department Scholarships 3. FREE Search Engines On-campus scholarships Off-campus scholarships Other free search engines: http://www.fastweb.com
Typical Parts of a Scholarship Application Drop-Ins, No Appointment needed Transcript Typical Parts Personal Statement Letter of Rec.
Application Process Each scholarship has its own application procedure. Our CSI website can provide the following: 1 2 3 Obtain and Complete Application Background on the scholarship Obtain information about who to contact
Application Form Common Mistakes Be sure to follow the directions and complete all fields of the application Many applications are disqualified because applicants left questions blank Always have someone review your application before turning it in If you don t understand a particular question or field, ask for clarification
Application Form Sample Application Form (handout) Note that the first letter is capitalized when necessary Do not use shorthand or text-messaging language
Personal Statement The Personal Statement is an important part of the application process because it allows the readers of the selection committee to know You as an individual. You want the selection committee to become invested in you and your future
Personal Statement (handout) Common Mistakes Be sure to answer the question Address all parts of the question Rephrase the question in your answer Follow the guidelines If there is a word limit, stay as close to it as possible; do not write a novel Use 12 point font unless directed otherwise
Personal Statement Assistance at CSULB If you are struggling with writing your personal statement, utilize the following resources on campus: Writer s Resource Lab (LAB-206) Career Development Center (BH-250) ***ALWAYS have someone proof-read your application***
Letter(s) of Recommendation Be sure to ask the appropriate person for a letter of recommendation Faculty Staff Employer Build Relationships What to give your recommender: Give the person a list of your accomplishments Provide the recommender with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope (if necessary) Request a personal copy for your records
Does the scholarship require you to submit transcripts? Official (sealed) Un-official (available through MyCSULB) Plan ahead to get your transcripts on-time CSULB Be sure to leave yourself enough time; it takes 7-10 business days to receive official transcripts Don t forget your transcripts from community college, or another university
Thank You Letter/Note What to Write (see handout) Be sure to thank the donor for their generosity Provide a little background information about yourself Explain how the scholarship will help you and/or impacts your education Always address the letter/card to the donor. If you are not sure who that is, ask the scholarship s contact person If you have the time to handwrite the letter or card, it adds a nice personal touch and shows the donor that you put in the extra effort
How to Search the Database www.csulb.edu/scholarships
How to Search the Database The database has seven categories to help you narrow your search: Academic Interest Athletics Competitive Extra Curricular General Study Abroad Open
CSI Office Location & Contact Information Center for Scholarship Information USU- Room 238 562-985-2549 scholarships@csulb.edu www.csulb.edu/scholarships