6 Things to Do After You Win a Scholarship

Receiving scholarships eases a major financial burden on students and parents, when it comes to funding education. In fact, scholarship money for students is a huge motivator, as it gives students hope of attending the universities of their dreams. Merit money of even a few thousand Rupees can make a huge difference. Applying for a scholarship is a daunting task as it takes lot time and effort. At the same time, the processes after winning scholarship can also be tedious. Here are 6 things students need to do after they win a scholarship. A majority of scholarship providers will require you to complete all these steps before the merit money is actually reaches your account.

• Formally accept the scholarship

The first step after winning scholarship is to officially accept it. For some scholarships, you will automatically receive the merit money if you win, because you have already provided all the necessary information to the scholarship providers. In the case of other scholarships, once you receive the notification, you will have to officially accept the scholarship. This is a mandatory step. If you accidentally overlook this step, the scholarship money may be passed onto the next deserving candidate.

In these cases, scholarship providers usually require you to fill out a form stating that you accept the scholarship. It is important to pay attention to the requirements.

• Provide all official documents upon winning scholarship

The second step after receiving scholarships is to make sure all documents are submitted. Many times, the providers ask for a set of documents during the application process, and after winning scholarships. This is usually a formality. You will be required to provide documents such as a photograph of yourself, a short bio, the acceptance letter from your college or university, a student ID card, payment details, and so on.

Make sure you read all the terms and conditions carefully and also pay attention to the requirements. You must make sure that the providers have everything they need from you.

• Confirm your college and disbursement information

The third step after winning scholarships is to confirm your college information with the scholarship providers. Note that this step only applies if your scholarship benefactor is an external organization and not your college scholarship fund.

In the case of scholarship for students, the benefactor generally writes the check directly to the college. In which case, they will ask you to confirm the college you have decided to attend, its address, tuition fees details, and a copy of your student ID. Sometimes, they may also ask for proof of enrollment. Therefore, make sure, you have all the necessary documents and information.

• Complete all scholarship acceptance requirements

The next step is to complete all acceptance requirements. Apart from providing all your information and officially accepting the scholarship, you may need to follow through with a couple of additional requirements. These requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship.

For example, some may ask you to attend a formal scholarship dinner, or you may be required to submit a copy of your student grades. Many funds also require you to mail them a photograph of yourself along with a short bio so that they can upload it on their website. Many organizations also require the scholarship recipients to volunteer at a non-profit or community event after receiving scholarships.

Make sure you check in with your advisor or the scholarship organization to complete all formalities required after winning scholarship.

• Thank your scholarship providers

The fifth step after receiving scholarships is to thank your benefactor. Granting scholarship money for students is a mammoth task. The benefactors need to arrange for funds, organize the competition, and even go through thousands of applications to select the winning one. After all that hard work, their efforts deserve to be appreciated. Besides, without scholarship money for students, many deserving people wouldn’t even get the chance to study further. 

The moment you get notified, start drafting your ‘thank you’ note. Keep in mind that the benefactors believed in you and helped you succeed. Express gratitude for the opportunity and describe how much winning the scholarship means to you. Make the note personalized and heartfelt. If you want, you could also send them a photo of you on the campus along with the acceptance letter to show appreciation. This is a warm gesture of gratitude and will be received well by your scholarship provider.

• Inform your college

Finally, the sixth step after winning a scholarship exam is to notify the college or the university you will be attending. You will need to contact the university office as it will have to be adjusted with your tuition fees. These formalities typically vary from college to college, and also based on the scholarship received. However, some common requirements are an online form. If you are unaware of how to go through with it, reach out to the university and they will guide you.

These were the six steps that you need to follow after winning scholarships. While doing all the necessary paperwork, ensure that the scholarship money reaches your bank account. Although these six steps may seem like a lot, it is nothing compared to the joy of receiving scholarships that will change your life. Most importantly, spend your scholarship money wisely!