Quick Guide: Preparing to Apply for Scholarships

The semester has started and you may be thinking . . . how can I pay for it? UCO offers many scholarships that you can access through the UCO Scholarship Portal starting Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. The application deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2023. Before the portal opens, we wanted to provide a “quick guide” of some helpful tips to get you on the right path when applying for scholarships.

QUICK GUIDE TIPS:

1. Obtain a Copy of Your Transcript
   • You can get a copy of your unofficial transcript from UCONNECT (Academics Tab –> Registration Tools –> After Enrollment –> Unofficial Academic Transcripts)
   • If you have a hold, the scholarship portal will guide you through an acceptable way to upload a transcript
2. Prepare Your Resume
   • Many applications ask for a resume; however, even if you’re not asked to attach one, the process will help prepare you for other questions that will be asked
   • Schedule an appointment to meet with our business career consultant, Jordan Scribner
   • Resources for preparing your resume:
     • Resume and Cover Letter Guide
     • O*Net
3. Practice Writing (essays)
   • Many scholarships ask you to provide a written response to a prompt. It’s helpful to begin writing a few sample responses.
   • Essays types include:
     • Short answer (e.g., place of birth, number of hours you plan to enroll in, classification, major, when you plan to graduate)
     • Common essay prompts include:
       • Writing about your financial need (How will this scholarship help you?)
       • Why did you choose the degree you are pursuing, and how will it help you reach your goals?
       • What was your most memorable leadership experience and why?
       • Personal statement (academic interest, civic involvement and how they relate to your career goals)
       • Share information about your work history
       • Demonstrated excellence in a particular area (e.g., sales competitions, internship experience, leadership)
       • What are your career goals? What type(s) of career(s) are you pursuing?
       • Share information about involvement in other activities on/off campus (e.g., clubs/orgs, advisory board, student government, etc.)
4. Know the Scholarship Application Deadline
   • Do your research. Keep track of your deadlines. Mark your calendars. Put reminders on your personal devices. Don’t wait until the last minute.
   • Give yourself a few days before the closing date to have enough time to proofread your application.
   • The scholarship portal opens at 8 a.m. January 18 and closes at 4 p.m. February 11.
5. Attachments (common)
   • Resume
   • Transcript
   • STLR Snapshot
   • Certificates (if applicable)
   • Writing Samples
   • Written Essay Responses
   • Letter of recommendations
     • You may need one or two recommendations for any scholarships you qualify for
     • You could ask your employer, a former professor or another credible person (depending on what is required of the scholarship)
6. Other Important Tips
   • DO APPLY! There are so many scholarships available.
   • Explore scholarships. Read the scholarship application in detail. Make sure you qualify for all the requirements.
   • Get a second pair of eyes. Ask a friend, professor or business scholarship coordinator to read through your application.
   • Visit the Scholarship Portal for a how-to video on navigating the site.
   • Don’t just apply to one scholarship. The more you apply for, the more chances you have.
   • Fill out the qualifying scholarship application within the portal. Completing this application will help determine which scholarships you qualify for.
     • Once you’ve completed your application, go to your My Opportunities tab to see the list of scholarships.