Private and Outside Scholarships
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office receives notifications of scholarships offered by local, regional, and national organizations. We encourage you to check often to view the most current listings.
These scholarships are private scholarships that are not affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
Although we post the application and/or contact information for these outside private scholarships, that does not constitute an endorsement.
Scholarship Scams and Warning Signs
Students and parents should be careful when searching for scholarships. You should never have to pay to search for, or to receive, scholarships. The following are some common fraud warning signs:
- The application is requesting a bank account, credit card information, or a fee to apply
- The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back
- You’re a finalist in a contest you never entered
- You’ve been selected by a “National Foundation” to a receive a scholarship
- The scholarship contact information is missing a phone number, or has a P.O. box address
Learn more from the Federal Trade Commission about common Scholarship Scams. By becoming aware of the strategies and techniques used, you can protect yourself from pitfalls during your scholarship search.
Local Searches
The following community organizations sometimes post information about scholarships they sponsor.
- Local businesses
- Employers
- Government agencies
- Churches
- Other non-profit organizations
Online Searches
These searches are free.
Tips
- Start your search early.
- • Watch deadlines.
- • Follow directions on each application.
- • Use proper spelling and grammar.
- • Proofread before submitting the application.
- • Avoid waiting until the last day to complete the application.
Essay Tips for your Scholarship Application
Many scholarships require an essay. Here are some ideas for giving a committee what they need to consider you.
Family Background and Financial Need
- How has your family background affected the way you see the world?
- How has your education contributed to who you are today?
- From a financial standpoint, what impact would this scholarship have on your education?
- Describe any special personal or family circumstances affecting your need for financial assistance.
- How have you been financing your college education?
Leadership Activities
- Describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability both in and out of school.
- Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart.
Community Service
- How have you been involved within your community?
- What special event have you been involved with, and what did you learn from that event?
Future Goals
- Describe your long and short-term goals.
- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
- Why do you want to get a college education?
Additional Information
You should write about anything that you feel that the scholarship committee should know about you. Include work and volunteer experiences, and what you learned from them. Be sure to include why you should be chosen for the scholarship.