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As someone who has received a large number of scholarships and grants, I can speak from experience.
1. You need to understand the processes. It has steps to complete so follow them carefully.
2. You will need the correct forms for each fellowship.
3. Seriously consider rewriting your personal statement to make it unique and fit the "tone" of each application you submit. This essay gives the selection committee a feeling of who you are and how closely your goals and strengths match the ideals of the fellowship. Do not use misspelled words, poor grammar, melodramatic or self-congratulatory statements, or a list of achievements for your essay.

4. Make sure you are eligible for it before applying. Do not apply for a woman's scholarship if you are not a woman.
5. Complete all paperwork.
6. When finished with the application and all attending paperwork review it a few times and find your errors.
7. Before sending the application in, make a copy of the entire packet and keep it for reference when you are contacted.
8. Have confidence in yourself throughout the process. You can do this; it gets easier each time you fill in the paperwork.
9. Find good professional references and use them to produce the reference letters that are needed. Two good ones are much better than 4 bad ones. If you do not have the professional contacts then ask around to friends and family for an introduction, then simply introduce yourself and ask them if they will help. The energy and enthusiasm you have just exhibited to that person will probably impress them and they will be inclined to write a reference letter simply because you were so bold as to do this.
10. Be aware that a physical interview may never happen, the application process may state that an interview will be scheduled with finalists but may be waved.
11. When you are contacted by regular mail read the letter carefully. Follow any instructions.
12. Be grateful for that scholarship and write a regular mail thank you letter (not an email) for it.

Learn more about this author, Vic Burrack.
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