Scholarship Tips and How-Tos – Scholarships and Other Aid

Strategy and Preparation

• Broaden Your Search: Apply for both large and small awards. Even smaller scholarships add up over time.
• Master the Essay: Read the prompt carefully and stay on topic. Your response should directly answer the specific question or theme provided.
• Manage Recommendations: Before listing a reference, always ask the person if they are willing to provide a recommendation for you.
  • Clarify the Request: Tell your recommender if the request is for your General Scholarship Application or a specific "Apply To" opportunity.
  • Explain the Process: Inform them that they will receive an automated email containing a unique submission link from Scholarships@DallasCollege.edu.
  • Submission Policy: We do not accept recommendations via personal email or from students. All letters must be submitted through the official link to be valid.
• Stay Organized: Maintain a master list of deadlines and required documents. This list should also include any outside scholarships you have applied for to ensure you track all potential aid.
• Boost Your Profile: Participate in community service and extracurricular activities. Many committees prioritize students who show active involvement.

How to Apply for Scholarships

1. Visit Dallas College Foundation’s myScholarships site to find more than 300 scholarships offered by Dallas College.
2. Click on the Sign In button (upper right corner)
3. Complete the General Scholarship Application. Note: You must submit this general application before you can apply for individual awards. Submitting it automatically matches you to any of the 300-plus scholarships you are eligible for.
4. Review and Submit 

After submitting your General Scholarship Application, you are automatically matched with "Automatch" opportunities. For "Apply To" opportunities, you must click on the name of the scholarship to review the eligibility requirements. If you meet them, click the Apply button to answer the additional questions required for that specific award, and click Submit when finished.

Tips for Applicants 

• International/Nonresident Students: Filter your search by selecting lnternational/Nonresident from the Show Filters drop-down list. 
• Search by Major: Use the search bar to type in keywords related to your specific major or program of study to find tailored awards. 
• Saving Your Work: You can save your application at any point to finish it later. Just remember to click Submit when you are completely done. 
• Double-Check Your References: Click on the References drop-down menu to view your recommendation requests. If you see a typo or error in a recommender’s email address, contact the Scholarship Office immediately so we can help you correct it.

Things To Know

Important:

1. If you’re selected to receive a scholarship, you will be notified only through your Dallas College email address. You may also check the status of your applications in myScholarships. 
2. You have seven days to accept the scholarship and complete the post-acceptance questions. All scholarship recipients must write a thank-you letter to the donor and provide a photo where indicated on the post-acceptance.
3. Scholarship awards are posted to your Workday account. 

How To Write a Scholarship Thank-You Letter

Receiving a scholarship is an honor, and a thank-you letter is an important way to express your gratitude to the donor or organization that made your award possible.

Donors appreciate hearing from scholarship recipients because it allows them to see the impact of their generosity. Your letter helps them understand how their support is making a difference in the lives of Dallas College students and encourages them to continue investing in future scholars.

When writing your letter, be sincere, professional and personal. Share your story, your goals and how the scholarship will help you succeed. Be sure to proofread your letter carefully for spelling, grammar and clarity before submitting it.