Rules To Live By:

1. The sooner, the better. Each year there are thousands of awards offered via an equally large number of agencies, including colleges and universities, local, national, and international companies and private sponsors. The application cycle for many of these awards begins up to one full year or more in advance of when you intend to enroll in school. Get started early!
2. Be persistent. Before you can be considered for any type of financial assistance, you must apply! The more applications you submit, the better your chances of receiving one or more forms of financial assistance. Remember: no matter the strength of your academic or extra-curricular record, no one can reward your efforts unless you submit an application. Keep yourself organized!
3. Make your search an annual cycle. Many awards may be available one year and not the next, so take the initiative to determine the status of each award for which you apply. Be sure you know whether the award is only available for one-year or is renewable. Then, once you receive the award, stay informed about it and contact the University Scholarship Office to keep all financial records current.
4. Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up! Keep copies of all correspondence you submit throughout the application process. Check deadlines to be sure your application arrived on time. Make sure you have completed the application process. No need to be a pest, but it is your prerogative to periodically check on the progress of the awarding process and your application status. Always be courteous, forthright, and aware that yours may be one of hundred of applications received for an award.