Review the eligibility requirements carefully. Most scholarship application packets outline specific criteria that applicants must meet to apply. For example, some scholarship committees accept only applicants with a certain Grade Point Average (GPA) or test scores on standardized tests. This information is usually listed in the "Requirements" or "Eligibility Guidelines" section of the application.
Gather the required documents. Most scholarship committees require applicants to provide recommendation letters, school transcripts and an essay or personal statement. Applicants that apply for needs-based scholarships through a college might be required to complete a Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or provide financial documentation that demonstrates a need for that particular scholarship.
Write an essay, if applicable. Some sponsors require applicants to submit an essay that discusses the student's achievements, goals and future ambitions if the student receives the scholarship. Some organizations require a short, 300- to 500-word essay, while others may require a longer, more detailed essay with 1,000 to 5,000 words. The length varies by organization.
Plan ahead and complete the packet at least three to four weeks before the deadline. This will allow you enough time to prepare your essay, obtain important documents and double-check your application. Most scholarship committees maintain strict application deadlines. If you do not follow the deadline guidelines, you may be unable to submit your application until the next application cycle.