Before applying, make sure you meet the scholarship's basic criteria. Avoid wasting time on a lengthy application process only to be disqualified for obvious reasons. Show how you meet the criteria throughout the application. For example, if you apply for a scholarship offered only to students with fast food experience, mention your job at McDonald's in your work history, résumé and in your personal statement. If possible, describe how the experience has helped shape you into the person you are today.

To receive full consideration for a scholarship, carefully follow instructions and fill out all forms. Use the phrase "does not apply" in answer to questions you naturally might leave blank. Incomplete forms won't be considered. Send all application materials together rather than sending forms and other required materials separately, unless the instructions indicate otherwise.

Scholarship committees look for potential. What will you do with your college degree? What sort of adversity have you dealt with? What have you learned from your setbacks? They also reward students who meet criteria that may fuel the organization. For example, General Electric looks for science-oriented people, while Future Farmers of America seeks students with an agricultural focus.

Describe activities that reflect the values of the scholarship sponsor. A common question on applications is, "You see one of your classmates cheating on a test — what do you do?" For these organizations, strong ethics are obviously important, so highlight major ethical decisions you've made. For a scholarship offered by a community service organization, focus on your volunteer activities. Avoid mentioning experience that might conflict with the sponsor's values. For example, listing your internship with the National Rifle Association on an application for a scholarship from Handgun Control America is probably unwise.