A Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Scholarships

What Are Scholarships and Who Are They For?

Scholarships are financial awards that help cover the cost of college, and unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid. They are designed to make higher education more accessible by recognizing students for a wide range of strengths, interests, and experiences.

You can find scholarships awarded for the following:

• Academic performance;
• Financial need;
• Leadership roles or community involvement;
• Creative or artistic talents;
• Intended major or career interests; and/or
• Personal experiences, challenges, or life circumstances.

Some scholarships offer large awards, while others may be smaller. Even smaller scholarships can add up quickly and significantly reduce the cost of college over time. The key is knowing that there is no single “type” of student who qualifies. There are opportunities for many different paths and goals.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Scholarships

Step 1: Create a Scholarship “Profile” You Can Reuse.

One of the biggest time savers in the scholarship process is realizing that most applications ask for the same core information. Instead of starting from scratch each time, create a basic scholarship profile that you can adjust as needed.

Your scholarship profile typically includes

• A résumé or activity list outlining how you spend your time inside and outside the classroom. This can include jobs, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or awards.
• A general personal statement you can adapt for different prompts. Many scholarships ask similar questions about your goals, challenges you have overcome, or why the opportunity matters to you.
• Academic information, such as your current grade point average or an unofficial transcript, which is commonly requested across applications.
• A list of potential recommenders, including teachers, counselors, employers, or mentors, along with their contact information. Having this prepared makes it easier to ask early and stay organized.
• Basic financial information, if you plan to apply for need-based scholarships.

Step 2: Research Scholarships That Interest You. 

Not all scholarships are ultra-competitive national awards. Many strong opportunities are local, school-specific, or connected to students’ interests, identities, or future goals.

You can often find these through scholarship search platforms, your high school guidance office, community organizations, local businesses, or directly through colleges and universities. Applications tend to be stronger when the scholarship aligns with who you are and where you are headed. When your experiences clearly match the mission of the award, your application feels more authentic.

Scholarship Search Platforms

Below are a few of the common websites to find scholarships: 

• BigFuture by College Board – Useful for students already navigating college planning tools; ties scholarships to academic interests and goals.
• Fastweb – One of the most widely used databases; strong for matching scholarships to student profiles.
• Scholarships.com – Helpful for filtering by major, background, and location.
• Niche Scholarships – Good for smaller, less competitive awards and students earlier in the process.
• College and University Websites – For example, St. John’s University provides merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships that are often tied to a student’s application or major.

Step 3: Ask for Letters of Recommendation. 

Choose people who genuinely know you and can speak to your character, growth, or work ethic. When you reach out, give them sufficient time and helpful context, such as your résumé, your goals, and a brief description of the scholarship.

Step 4: Write Scholarship Essays That Tell Your Story.

Scholarship essays are your opportunity to help selection committees understand who you are beyond grades and test scores. They highlight your motivation, values, and how the scholarship would support your academic and personal goals.

Many scholarship prompts overlap, which means you will likely return to the same core stories more than once. Over time, you can refine these ideas and tailor them to each opportunity, making small adjustments rather than rewriting everything from the beginning.

Step 5: Review, Submit, and Stay Organized.

Before submitting any application, take a moment to slow down. Missing documents or skipped questions can disqualify an otherwise strong application.

Build the habit of reviewing instructions carefully, submitting applications before the deadline when possible, and keeping track of what you have sent and when.

Step 6: Follow Up and Stay Engaged.

After submitting, monitor your email and scholarship portals. Some programs request additional materials or invite finalists to interviews.

If the expected decision timeline has passed and you have not received an update, send a follow-up email. This demonstrates professionalism and genuine interest. Even when the outcome is not what you hoped for, this step reinforces positive habits that carry into future academic and professional opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I begin applying for scholarships?
Start by researching scholarships that match your academic interests, background, and goals. Create a basic scholarship profile with your résumé, academic information, and a general personal statement so you are ready when opportunities arise. From there, apply to a mix of local, school-based, and national scholarships.

What grade point average (GPA) qualifies for a scholarship?
GPA requirements vary widely depending on the scholarship. Some awards require a minimum GPA, while others focus more on leadership, service, financial need, or personal experiences. 

How do I start a scholarship application?
Begin by carefully reviewing the scholarship requirements and deadlines. Gather any required materials, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, or essays, and allow yourself enough time to complete each section thoughtfully. 

When should students start applying for scholarships?
Many students begin looking for scholarships in their junior year of high school, but opportunities exist throughout senior year and even while you are already in college.

Can current college students apply for scholarships?
Yes. Many scholarships are available to undergraduate students beyond their first year, including awards based on major, academic performance, leadership, or continued financial need.

How many scholarships should I apply for?
There is no set number, but applying consistently increases your chances of success. Focusing on scholarships that align with your experiences and goals often leads to stronger applications.

Take the First Step Toward Funding Your Education.

Applying for scholarships is a meaningful way to take control of your college costs. By starting early, staying organized, and applying consistently, you can reduce the financial burden of college and move forward with greater confidence.

To explore scholarship options at St. John’s University, visit the St. John’s University Scholarships page and learn how financial support can help make your college goals more attainable.