DECEMBER 2025

Tuesday Tips



Top 5 Scholarship Strategies from the Experts

Use the Bullseye Approach to Search for Scholarships

Think of your scholarship search as a bullseye. To start, focus your efforts locally and then expand outward.

• First, check with your high school! We recommend this even if you've already graduated, as some high schools offer scholarships for alumni. Additionally, reach out to local nonprofit organizations like the VFW, your employer, or your local bank.
• Next, expand your search to statewide scholarships. Use FAME’s Scholarship Search to find scholarships that are exclusive to Mainers. On that same page, you’ll find a link to the Maine Community Foundation, which offers over 700 scholarships for Mainers.
• Once you've exhausted those options, turn your attention to national scholarships. Consider using one of the national scholarship search tools listed on FAME's scholarship search page or researching scholarships based on your intended field of study. Start by Googling your intended major and the word “scholarships.” Many professional associations offer scholarships for students pursuing careers in that field; for example, the American Association of Nursing lists various scholarships on its website. 

Create a Scholarship Folder

Many scholarships ask for similar documents, such as essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and your FAFSA Submission Summary. Keep an electronic folder with these documents so they’ll be easily accessible when you apply. This way, you don't have to start from scratch each time, making the process quicker and easier.

Pro Tip: Be sure to tweak each essay to fit the specific scholarship you're applying for at the moment.

Ask for Letters of Recommendation

Experts advise asking at least three people for letters of recommendation. These individuals should be familiar with your best work and able to speak to your work ethic, skills, and character. Make sure to give them at least two weeks to write the letter so they have time to craft a thoughtful recommendation.

Pro tips:

• Provide them with a copy of your resume so they can reference all your accomplishments as well as what they know about you from your personal connection.
• Ask them to provide the letter in PDF format and keep it generic so you can use it for multiple scholarship applications.

Write a Great Essay

Begin by carefully reading the scholarship essay prompt and jotting down key points you want to cover. Next, expand each bullet point to a well-developed paragraph. Have your essays proofread by more than one person, if possible. Often, others find spelling and grammar issues that you might overlook after working on the essay for a while, and they may also have ideas for improvement.

If you are considering using AI, use the provided essay only as a starting point. An AI-generated essay is easy to spot and could get your application tossed from the pile fast! Don't give the scholarship readers a reason to reject your application.

Know the Next Steps if You Win a Scholarship

If you are selected to receive a scholarship, there is often a process to follow to receive the funds. Be sure to save your scholarship award notice as it often outlines the necessary next steps. In many cases, you’ll need to supply documentation from the school you are (or will be) attending. Incoming students may need to provide an acceptance letter to confirm their enrollment plans, while enrolled students may need to submit their transcript to confirm eligibility for the scholarship. At a minimum, you'll need to let the scholarship committee know where to send the funds.

Make sure you understand when your scholarship funds will be disbursed. Many scholarships require you to complete at least one semester before you can receive the funds, so it's a good idea to set a reminder on your calendar to check on the status of your scholarship. Finally, keep in mind that you are required to provide a copy of your scholarship award notice to your financial aid office. Additionally, the financial aid office may need to request the funds on your behalf. 

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