10 Tips to Help Dancers Prepare for Scholarship Applications
Applying for scholarships can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! Scholarships are a great way to make a dancer’s college journey more affordable by providing funds that can be used toward the cost of tuition, books, housing, or other expenses. Scholarships can also cover the costs of activities and needs outside of school, including extra dance lessons and supplies. Below, we’ve listed 10 Tips to Help Dancers Prepare for Scholarship Applications.
Set a goal.
Write down your “why,” which could be the reason you decided to go to college or why you need scholarships. This’ll serve as a great reminder for you if, for any reason, you start to feel discouraged or unmotivated during the scholarship application process. You can also set a financial goal based on how much scholarship money you need to get through college and succeed in a comfortable, worry-free state. Another, more simple goal, would be to set a quantitative goal for your scholarship applications. How many scholarships will you strive to apply to? Stick to your goal!
Update your social media.
Your social media is a modern representation of you and your personality. Once you’re accepted into college, your social media account will also be a reflection of your school; anyone who knows you’re a student at a college should be able to come to your page and not be deterred from attending the college. Scholarships may also ask you to list your social media handle so they can see if you’re an ideal scholarship recipient. Update your social media accounts by ensuring that it represents a valid representation of you, your skills, and what you bring to the table. Delete anything that may get you disqualified, such as inappropriate or offensive posts.
Related: A Quick Guide to Revamping your Dance Social Media Profile
Update your résumé.
There may be times when your scholarship application will request a copy of your résumé. In that case, make sure yours is updated with your most recent accomplishments, involvements, and work history. List academic or job experience and skills that are relevant to the scholarship you’re applying to. Have a mentor or trusted source review your résumé to eliminate any typos and offer constructive feedback.
Related: Perfecting Your Dance Résumé
Brush up on your writing skills.
Many scholarship applications require you to write an essay for submission. Essay topics will vary based on each scholarship, but will typically ask that you explain an aspect of your life, an impactful experience, or a goal you’d like to achieve. By brushing up on your writing skills, you can feel more confident sending a clearly written, well-structured, and well-thought-out scholarship essay that helps you stand out from other applicants. Ask a teacher, fellow student, or family member to read your essay before submitting it just in case they notice anything you can adjust to make it more effective.
Request recommendation letters.
Think of 3-5 people - who are not family members - who can attest to your professional, academic, and/or creative reputation. Reach out and ask them if they’d be willing to write a recommendation letter on your behalf. Start this process early, as some people may need extra time to write and send their letters to you. Additionally, you can offer to draft template letters for them to edit and personalize. Just make sure each letter is uniquely tailored to each scholarship.
Related: A Dancer's Guide to Seeking Mentorship
Identify your qualities.
You’d be surprised at how many scholarships there are out there! Tap into your hobbies, your background, and your academic record to identify scholarships that’d be a good fit for you. Be sure to think of aspects of your life that you’d be able to easily write essays about. In her interview with us, Brown Ballerina Ambassador Morgan Cruise suggests writing a list of all of your qualities and traits when you are ready to begin your search.
Related: Applying for College Scholarships with Brown Ballerina Ambassador Morgan Cruise
Do your research.
Using your list, find scholarships that are a great fit for you and that you actually qualify for. While there are websites that have lists of scholarships that you could apply to, don’t just look online. Make sure you’re also actively scholarship hunting in your community. Your church, dance studio, or other organizations you’re already familiar with may offer them as well. Think of what you’d like to study, and find organizations that support those college students. Additionally, some scholarships may have post-award requirements, so make sure you can meet them before applying.
Put the word out.
Other than doing your own research, talk to members of your network to let them know you’re applying for scholarships. You never know who knows who. Someone in your network may work for a company that gives out college scholarships or they may know a friend who has their own scholarship fund for college students. Someone may be able to refer you to a scholarship that they, themselves, have won in the past, or someone at your current or future school may offer scholarships or know of some good ones.
Manage your time wisely.
When you’re in the phase of applying for scholarships, your schedule might be hectic as it is. Around this time, you may be finishing up your high school classes and final exams, playing sports, practicing for dance lessons, and nurturing your social life. Make sure to dedicate time to researching scholarships, writing your essays, and filling out applications. Each scholarship will have a deadline for submission, so make sure you schedule them out and abide by them.
Share your findings.
If there’s a scholarship that gives out several awards to various people, spread the word to your community and network. Share the opportunity with others, just like someone may have shared it with you. The good karma will pay off - trust us!
Did we miss any helpful tips for scholarship application preparation? If so, share your advice in the comments below!
Be sure to visit our scholarships page to learn more about Brown Girls Do Ballet’s scholarship offerings and deadlines.