“How can I increase my chances of getting scholarships to help pay for my education?”

Scholarships are often awarded for academic excellence, so it never hurts to work hard and strive for top grades. But grades aren’t the only consideration.

You can get scholarships for things like leadership, citizenship, volunteer work, community service, language learning, sports, excellence in the arts, innovation in technology, interest in a particular field of study, or even membership in a specific group.

To increase your chances of getting a scholarship, follow these steps:

1.   Identify all the different scholarship categories you could possibly fall into.

2.   Do your research and find out what scholarships are available.

-      Start your research early. If you know in Grade 9 or 10 what’s required for a particular scholarship, you can make sure you have what’s needed by Grade 12—when you actually apply.

3.   Rank the options to identify which scholarships matter to you most. Consider eligibility criteria, application requirements, award size, and deadlines when you make your list.

-      Don’t forget to target local scholarships. Local awards get fewer applicants, so you have a better chance of success.

4.   Gather all the documents you need.

5.   Submit a great application.

-      Start your applications early. It takes time to put together a great package and collect the letters of recommendation you might need.

6.   Be strategic. Submit as many applications as possible while keeping the quality high.

What would you like to know?

An alis staff member will review your question and respond via email. If it’s something that can help others look for work, explore careers, or succeed on the job, a version of your question and answer may even be added to the site.