Using the Scholarships Search
- If a Campus Representative is listed for an award, contact Judith Zang or the Campus Rep ASAP to receive specialized guidance — preferably before or by the beginning of the specific award's next competition. These awards often have a campus deadline earlier than the official foundation/program deadline; some of them also involve an internal nomination and/or endorsement process.
- The years in which a student can apply for an award are stated above the award description. Be aware that that you may have to apply for an award a year or more in advance. For instance, winners of the Truman Scholarship receive $30,000 toward graduate or professional school, but you apply when you are a third-year undergraduate.
- If you want to expand your scholarship search, look at Other Scholarship Databases. Although there are close to 80 awards on the CCU Scholarship list, many more exist! These databases will be especially useful to international and graduate students.
- Please contact Judith Zang if you come across errors in the scholarships list. Thank you!
Start Early!
- Make an appointment with Judith Zang, director of national scholarships, to discuss your interests, goals, and the awards that match your profile.
- Once you decide on the award(s) you want to pursue, schedule an appointment with Judith Zang well in advance of the award deadline to receive more detailed advice and feedback on your application drafts.
- Become familiar with the eligibility requirements, deadlines, criteria, application components, and mission of the different awards that interest you. Take notes. ORGANIZATION IS KEY.
- Plan ahead. For instance, in the fall you should start thinking about what you will do in the summer. There are awards (some with deadlines in the fall!) that fund summer internships, professional development training, research, and study abroad — opportunities that you can do in addition to or in lieu of summer employment.
- Consider experiential learning activities that you can balance with your academics (e.g., field work, research, internships, campus organizations, and community service). These activities increase your future prospects, not only for competitive awards, but for graduate school and future jobs.
- A polished national scholarship application requires time and thought. Researching the award, compiling the required supplementary materials (transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.), drafting your statements, doing numerous rounds of editing, and seeking feedback are all part of the process.
- Set a date to complete everything at least a few days earlier than the actual award deadline.
- What should you include in your personal statements? Reflection Questions for Personal Statements, from the Office of Fellowships at Amherst College, has some excellent suggestions. These questions are also useful when preparing for an interview!
Build a Team!
- Cultivate relationships with your professors, supervisors, advisors, and other people in the campus and surrounding community. Guidelines for Letters of Recommendation, required reading before an appointment with Judith Zang, gives specific advice on this topic.
- Hone your networking skills. Your communications and interactions with faculty and staff mentors, your advisor, and alumni and professionals in a related field provide invaluable support in your educational journey.
- Strengthening your writing, networking, and interviewing skills; developing your resume; making viable study abroad plans; and maintaining your individual wellness go hand in hand with your pursuit of national scholarships. Use the Writing Center, Career Services, Coastal Student Success Center, LiveWell Office, Education Abroad, and other resources on campus to assist you in your endeavors. Connect with people at CCU who are dedicated to helping you reach your goals.