Scholarship Requirements

It's an honor to receive a scholarship. It means you are being recognized for your achievements by your high school, employer, or community organizations. As a part-time student, you can use scholarship funds to reach your educational goals on your time. There are a few things you need to do in order to keep your scholarship funds.

You may have earned a scholarship based on your academic ability, your cultural background, or even achievement on your job. Your scholarships could be a reward for a good essay or for service within your community. You certainly want to keep your scholarship, once you've gone to the trouble of securing it. Use the following tips to be sure your achievement continues to benefit you throughout your educational program.

Watch the Details
The details of your scholarship are important to your financial future. You'll receive some scholarships only once, and others are renewable every term you spend in school. Keep copies of transcripts, recommendation letters, and other paperwork you collected when you first applied for your scholarship, in case you need it during the following year. Stay in touch with the donor and be sure you know your scholarship's specific terms and conditions.

Keep Achieving
Merit-based scholarships are offered based on your performance in any number of fields and regardless of your financial circumstances. If your scholarship is based on merit, you might have specific requirements you have to meet to keep the money. Your donor may require you to maintain a minimum GPA, complete community service hours, or take certain classes within your major. Contact your donor for specific information on your scholarship's requirements.

Know Your Scholarship Details
Unlike other forms of need-based financial aid, you can receive a number of scholarships at once, in amounts that can exceed your educational expenses. That means it's possible to receive more money than your education actually costs. Stay organized as you apply for multiple scholarships. Each individual scholarship may have slightly different deadlines and requirements, like letters of recommendation and transcripts. You should keep the deadlines, forms, requirements, and all other paperwork in one place in your home. Use a desk calendar or software program with automatic date and deadline reminders to make sure you keep your scholarships.

You should take pride in your scholarships and always include them on your resume, if appropriate. Take the time to learn about your scholarships, and they can help you even when the monetary benefits cease.