How to Apply for Scholarships,grants and Fellowships

HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS,GRANTSspecialist in a certain field of medicine after an M.D. has
AND FELLOWSHIPSbeen earned. Fellowships tend to pay for internships or
BY JULIUS .B.OGUNBIYI[Goldberg] scholarshipfieldwork, so that students, usually at the graduate
links,addresses,and help are on the above website forlevel, can enhance their training in their field of interest.
all.There are some paid internships available to students
 at the undergraduate level. These may qualify as both
What you must know before applying is important toa fellowship and a scholarship, or they may simply be
be clear on the scholarship requirements. After all, youreferred to as scholarships. Many of the country’s
want to be sure you are eligible before you apply fortop museums offer fellowship and intern opportunities
scholarships. If you are not, you are wasting your time,to students at the undergraduate level, usually in their
as well as the time of the business or individual offeringjunior or senior year of college.
the scholarship.The fellowship further implies a limited timeline and a
In addition to making sure you are eligible before youstated period of months in which work or internships
apply for scholarships, understanding the requirementswill be completed and people will be paid. The main
also helps guide you through the application process.difference here between a fellowship and a
Failure to follow the application requirements correctlyscholarship is that most scholarships last for at least a
when you apply for scholarships will almost certainlysemester in school, though some may be given more
result in denial of the scholarship. This can includegenerally to pay for school expenses. Fellowships can
failure to include a specific form or even filling out thelast for a few days, a few weeks, a couple of months,
forms with the wrong ink color. Therefore, youa year, or a couple of years depending upon the
absolutely must read all of the requirements andscope of the work involved, and they normally pay in
guidelines when you apply for scholarships. If you doincrements, by monthly stipend, instead of awarding
not, all of the work you put into the scholarships will bethe total amount of money at one time.
wasted because your application will not even beHow to Apply for a Scholarship-simple tips
considered.Finding a Scholarship
If you have heard about a particular scholarship andFirst most important thing is that you should know
you are not sure of the requirements, it is perfectlywhat kinds of scholarships and jobs around. Because if
acceptable to write to the company or individual toyou don’t know about the scholarships then how
request an application packet. Even if you do havewill you apply? Therefore, make a good collection of
application guidelines, be sure they are the mostscholarships websites. Some are top websites are
current versions before you apply for scholarships.listed here.
Scholarship guidelines routinely change from year to 
year.Application Tips
After you apply for scholarships, be certain to followFirst impression is the last Impression:
up with a telephone call. At the very minimum, youAlways make a nice, clean and organised application
should call to make sure the application has beenfolder. It will give employers the impression that you an
received. This is a time consuming part of theorganised person.
application process, but well worth the effort. TheApply in First Round:
companies or individuals offering the scholarships mostAlways apply well before the application deadline. Most
likely have dozens or even hundreds of applications toof the employers do their research and make their
sort through. Making a follow up phone call is one wayminds before calling someone for interview. Therefore
to make sure your name is remembered. Therefore,give them plenty of time.
making sure the applications have been received is anCheck the Eligibilities:
essential step when you apply for scholarships.There is no question of applying for a position if you
If a particular post-secondary institution has alreadyare not eligible.
accepted you as a student, you might also apply forArrange all documents in order:
scholarships offered through the college or university.If sending printed application, then arrange your
To learn about possible scholarship opportunities,documents in line as described in application form.
contact the financial aid office of the institution. OnceIf sending online then convert all your documents in to
again, be certain to follow the guidelines exactly asPDF formats.list can be as follows:
they are described in the scholarship packet andCover letter
personally check up on the scholarship application ifCV
possible.BSc. And MSc. Transcripts
Both a fellowship and a scholarship are consideredGRE/TOEFL scores
grants, and sometimes the terms may be usedScholarship forms
interchangeably. Most fellowships are also scholarships,Essays or SOP
but scholarships may not be fellowships. SomeLetters of recommendation
differences exist between a fellowship and aOthers requested by the employer
scholarship, but these can be variable and dependLetters of recommendations should be sealed and
upon the grant-giving organization.signed by your referees
A fellowship and a scholarship are usuallyRead your application carefully:
differentiated because scholarships tend to be given toAlways read your application carefully or ask
undergraduate college students, primarily for thesomeone to read and comment on it.
purpose of general education expenses. They may beMake sure your application is complete:
limited as to the type of major a student has, but mostSending incomplete application will be disastrous.
are more general and award gifts of money forAlways make sure that your application is complete.
education based on superior school performance. 
Some also take into account need, or may require 
specific skills. The Miss USA pageant and MissSending application:
America pageant are both scholarship programs.Always use secured postal services where you can
Women who win these pageants receive money totrack your application and make sure your application
continue their education at the undergraduate orhas been received.
graduate level.Now you have applied. What to do now?
In many cases, you don’t need to get into aSimply wait, but don’t stop here, because you
swimsuit in order to win a scholarship. Most are basednever know whats going to happen with your
on application only, and any qualifications that makeapplication. Keep applying for new scholarships in your
you particularly eligible to receive the scholarship. Therearea of interest.
are many peculiar conditions which may make youIf you get selected for interview?
eligible for a scholarship: your last name, your status asWell done, you have done a great job. Now prepare
a single parent, your possessing a disabling condition, orfor the interview.
your specific research goals as a student. MoreOur interview tips coming soon.
general scholarships given by countries and statesIf Not get selected for interview?
may be given to students who will attend school fullDon’t worry, it happens with every one.
time, have a minimum grade point average (GPA) ofCheck your application again and see what’s
at least a B average, and who can demonstratewrong? Make it better and apply again.
financial need.Key is keep applying.
One difference between a fellowship and a”The will to conquer is the first condition of
scholarship is that most fellowships are not based onvictory.” Ferdinand Foch
need. They are usually based on skill, GPA, andPlease feel free to ask and post if you have any
qualifications to work in a certain field. Anotherquestions.
distinction between a fellowship and a scholarship, isGood luck.
that most fellowships are payment for some type ofJulius .B.Ogunbiyi is an author and infopreneur.He
work, such as teaching at the college level, whilespecializes in scholarship counseling and education
obtaining a master’s degree or Ph.D, or doing extrapursuit at all levels.
training in a hospital to earn board certification as a