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Financial Aid

Outside Scholarship Tips and Resources

Scholarship Resource Folder

Your essential first stop is our Scholarship Resource Folder, packed with valuable templates, tips, and timelines to help with your scholarship search. Take note of important deadlines, get organized using a scholarship tracker, learn how to write memorable essays, navigate the OSAC application with ease, and more!

Inside the public folder, you will find:

  1. Scholarship Presentation Slides — learn how to get free money for college!
  2. Financial Aid Timeline and Overview — two pages of must-know info
  3. Application Prep Guide — organize your scholarship application materials to simplify the process
  4. Application Tracker Template — manage the scholarships you apply for
  5. Scholarship Checklist (GF First Year) — a cheat sheet of scholarship links for incoming freshmen
  6. OSAC Scholarship Tips & Tricks — to help Oregon residents navigate this extensive application
  7. OSAC Scholarship Guide — simplified and specifically geared toward George Fox-bound students!
  8. First-Generation Scholarships flier — links to scholarships AND support
  9. Scholarship Essay Tips — including a QR code to the complete article

Searching for Scholarships

Starting your search with scholarships that have a smaller applicant pool may prove beneficial, as this improves your chances of winning the award. Local scholarships from your community, high school, or church, for example, can offer several advantages:

  • Applicant pool is usually smaller 
  • Application process may not be as rigorous 
  • You may find it easier to follow up and receive feedback on your application

To begin your search, consider consulting your high school guidance counselor, researching past scholarship recipients, using existing community connections, and researching local scholarship opportunities and the organizations that offer them.

undergrad student on computer

Here are some potential sources of local scholarships to consider:

Applying for Scholarships

  • Stay organized: Keep track of each scholarship you apply for.
  • Record your activities: Scholarships may ask for your volunteer activities, clubs, and community involvement; consider keeping a spreadsheet with dates and details for easy access to this information.
  • Don’t ignore smaller scholarships: These awards can add up, and you will be less likely to compete against large applicant pools. 
  • Prepare to apply: Think through your answers to common essay questions. 
    • Describe yourself in a few sentences.
    • What are your goals and ambitions for the future?
    • Describe your involvement in your school and in the community.
    • Who is the individual who has influenced you the most and why? 
  • Ensure you qualify: Double-check that you meet all of the scholarship requirements. If you don’t meet the criteria, don’t apply.

Any links to external websites and/or non-George Fox University information provided on university pages or returned from university web search engines is provided as a courtesy. This should not be construed as an endorsement by George Fox University of the content or views of the linked materials. The materials on these independent sites are the opinion of the specified author(s) and are not statements of advice, opinion, support or information of George Fox University.

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