Typically, the internet is the first place students and parents will search for scholarships. And, while this can work, it’s better to complete a couple steps to make the most of your online efforts. For review, I will quickly list those steps (you can also click on the links, they will take you to the full articles):
Simple steps, sure. But, they’re essential to your online success. Here’s why: an activity list will help you create a strategic, focused plan of attack. Your counselors might be able to direct you to especially helpful sites you might have otherwise ignored or alert you to scholarships not listed online.
Once you’ve completed steps one, two, and three, you’re ready to search online. Now, before you jump onto Fastweb or another scholarship search engine, make use of your activity list. Follow the steps below to succeed online.
1. Use long-tail search terms.
A long tail search term is a phrase, rather than word, you type into the Google, Yahoo, or Ask search bars. For instance, instead of searching for “scholarships,” (which can return an overwhelming number of web pages) you’ll have better luck using a long tail search term like “art scholarships” or “scholarships for boy scouts.” In addition, use synonyms for scholarship like “grants,” “awards,” and “endowments.” To find scholarships that you’ll be especially qualified for, use your activity list. Type in “[your Activity] scholarship(s)” into the major search engines: you’ll be pleased by the return of more specific sites.
2. Find activity-related groups.
Use your activity list to find specific groups that cater to your interests: most have scholarships. Associations, clubs, groups, and professional organizations offer many scholarships to students that participate in their activity or pursuing degrees in their area of expertise. For instance, if you’re interested in photography (yes, this is an example I use a lot, but bear with me) you would type in “photography association.” When I did this, my search returned the site for Professional Photographers of America. Using the site search function, I typed in “scholarships.” Seven results popped up. To do this with your specific activities, simply choose an activity, type in “[activity] associations.” You can also do this with your major or future profession. For instance: “physical therapy association.” In addition, use synonyms for association like: organization, club, group, etc. The key here is to have fun with this process and think creatively.
3. Use the news function
Many times, I forget that I can use different search functions and get different (and sometimes better) information. It pays to use the “news” search function on search engines (you find this near the top of the page on Google, above the search bar on Yahoo.) Before you conduct a search, click on the link for “news.” Then, proceed with your search as you would normally. When you search using the news function, the results are media stories about your search terms. This is beneficial because most scholarship donors publicize the winners through newspaper or TV stories. When they advertise the winners, you can find out about the award, when applications are typically due, and what it takes to win. (Plus, if a scholarship related to your interests pops up, it validates the scholarship.) The only downside to this type of search is that you probably missed the current-year deadline. I use this function primarily to plan for the upcoming year. The lesson is that if you want to win awards, you must think ahead.
4. Don’t limit yourself to one search engine.
I use Google all the time. And, while Google is a very good search engine, it’s not the only one. While other search engines like Yahoo and Ask may not be as appealing or familiar to you, they tend to churn up different search results. The different lists can lead you to different web pages, and more scholarship opportunities. Don’t be scared, explore and compare. You never know what you might find.
I hope that these steps will help you conduct a very fruitful online scholarship search. With a little creativity, dedication, and web surfing I know you’ll have much success.
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