Step 1:
The first
step in applying for any scholarship is gathering the information that
you my need to prove your eligibility and need.
Transcripts
For the CCC Scholarship Application:
If you have attended CCC before and completed at least 12 college credits (100 level or above), the Financial Aid Office will automatically attach your CCC Grade Transcript to your Scholarship Application when your application is turned in to the Financial Aid Office. If you have attended post-secondary institutions other than CCC, you will need to attach grade transcripts from those institutions before you submit your application.
If you graduated high school or will graduate in Spring and have never attended CCC or another post-secondary school before, you will need to provide a copy of your high school grade transcript with your application.
If you received a GED, list your scores on the application. You are not required to provide a grade transcript unless you attended another post-secondary institution.
For other scholarship applications:
For all students, both high school and college, grade transcripts are often a required item for scholarship applications.
They can be handy for anything from ensuring you've met GPA requirements, to mapping out your progress toward a specific major or goal, to showing extra-curricular classes and interests.
- Be sure to get transcripts from all institutions you've attended, but do not include them with an application unless it specifically asks for them. Keep a file of them for use when needed.
- Transcripts are available from some schools via the Internet. Note: these are unofficial transcripts, be sure to check the requirements for the scholarship(s) for which you are applying.
Financial Information
Many scholarships are based on "financial need". Scholarship committees need an accurate picture of your financial status to make decisions about your eligibility for need-based scholarships.
For CCC Scholarships:
If you are currently receiving financial aid or have completed a FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will provide the CCC Scholarship Committee with information about your eligibility for need-based scholarships. If you are not currently receiving aid or have not completed a FAFSA, you will need to complete a FAFSA prior to the scholarship application deadline in order to be eligible to apply for need-based scholarships.
For other scholarship applications:
If you are currently receiving financial aid, your award letter will usually suffice for their needs. If not, most scholarship applications will include supplemental worksheets for your financial information.
- Keep a file of records such as income tax returns and other scholarships received.
- Information on your parents or family income is sometimes required.
Activities and Work History
Prepare a resume of your employment and activity history as it pertains to your goals and targets as a scholarship candidate.
- If the scholarship is related to a particular field, be sure to include all activity in that field, work-related or otherwise.
- Keep a running log of your various activities and employment, paid or volunteer, and get as much outside documentation as possible for backing up your experience.
Other Information
Some scholarships require additional information, such as:
- Supplemental Applications or forms that must be completed
- Response to an essay question
- Proof of service or relationship to someone in the service of the military
- Proof of employment, membership or affiliation with specific employers or organizations
- Proof or residency in a given area.
Step 3: Scholarship Applications
Step 4: Attachments: Significant Achievements, Goals, Letter(s) of reference, Additional Essays