How to Apply for Scholarships

• Begin one year in advance: request scholarship lists from colleges.
• Dedicate 30 minutes a week to searching and applying.
• Save useful scholarship websites and register with trusted search platforms.
• Avoid scholarship scams—you never need to pay to find scholarships.

• Create a scholarship portfolio (Google Drive, folder, or binder).
• Save: applications, transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, calendars.
• Track deadlines with a checklist or calendar.
• Read instructions carefully—missing steps can disqualify you.
• Note submission dates and times for each application.

• Unofficial transcripts: free from myLane (required by the LCC Foundation, OSAC, and Ford Family Foundation).
• Official transcripts: must be sealed, may require fees—order early.
• Always keep at least one unofficial copy from each school.
• GED transcripts: request from GED.com (fees may apply).
• High school students: include SAT/ACT scores when available.

• Ask teachers, coaches, or mentors who know you well.
• Request letters no less than 2 weeks before the deadline.
• Share your resume or activities list to guide their writing.
• Be clear about qualities to highlight (leadership, motivation, integrity).
• Avoid generic letters—each should fit the scholarship.
• Send a thank-you note and let them know the results.

• Include school, community, volunteer work, jobs, awards, and hobbies.
• Add dates and weekly hours for accuracy.
• Use short, descriptive phrases showing your impact.
• Ask family/friends to help you remember activities.
• Store certificates, job descriptions, awards, and resumes in your portfolio.

• Start early—don’t wait for deadlines.
• Work with writing tutors.
• Essays should:
  • Answer the prompt fully.
  • Highlight your goals, values, and accomplishments.
  • Share challenges and how you overcame them.
• Save all drafts—you can reuse ideas later.
• Don’t recycle essays unless the prompts are identical.

• Be yourself: Share what drives and inspires you.
• Show, don’t tell: Use details and examples.
• Strong intro: Hook readers in the first few lines.
• Smooth transitions: Keep ideas connected.
• Finish strong: Tie your story to your future goals.
• Revise often: Cut anything irrelevant.
• Get feedback: Attend a scholarship workshop or take advantage of LCC writing tutors.

Note: Scholarship providers may screen for AI-written essays. Use AI tools only to polish your writing, not to generate it.