If you are one of those people who think that applying to scholarships is a waste of time because you never win anything – this blog is for you. First of all, let’s start by pointing out that you could win. If you are interested in attending nursing school, some extra cash to help cover the cost can’t be a bad thing, right? Don’t buy into the many myths out there about scholarships. But, ok, if we are assuming that you’re most likely not going to win any scholarships for nursing students, keep in mind that win or lose, there are benefits to applying anyway.
Benefits of Applying to Scholarships for Nursing Students
Opens Your Eyes
The main benefit to filling out any scholarship application is that it will most likely help open your eyes to your personal goals and desires. When you have to sit down and write a 750-1000 word essay explaining why you want to be a nurse and how financial assistance will help you accomplish your goals, the process can really help you to see things that maybe you never took the time to think of before. The self-reflection that is required when applying for scholarships for nursing students can benefit you in the long run, whether any money comes from it or not.
Experience in Essays
Any nursing scholarship that requires you to write an essay is beneficial, not only for the self-reflection but because it gives you writing practice and allows you to articulate your thoughts on paper. Once you graduate from nursing school, jobs are competitive. You will spend a lot of time writing and updating your resume and cover letters for jobs, especially if you are looking for travel nursing jobs, so it’s important that you have strong writing skills.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more scholarships you apply to, the better your chances are of winning some money. Plus, each time you do a scholarship application, your skills will improve. Think about it like this – you don’t skip out on job interviews just because you might not get the job. You go to the interview, you get the experience of talking with people, and answering tough questions. Then, even if you don’t get the job, you learned something about how to interview better in the future. It works the same way with scholarships for nursing students – the more you apply to, the better you will get at writing that award-winning essay.
Start Applying to Scholarships for Nursing Students
Alright, now you know the benefits of applying to multiple scholarships. Even if you think your chances of winning are slim to none, you’re going to go apply, right? Here are some tips we’ve compiled to help you as you start applying to scholarships for nursing students.
1. Figure out what you want to say
Start with self-reflection. Figure out why you want to be a nurse and why the scholarship will help you. Remember that this part is the most important because, in order to tug at scholarship judges’ heart strings, your words need to come from the heart. Scholarship judges look at a variety of different things, but they can tell when someone isn’t being sincere.
2. Brainstorm essay ideas
Once you have an idea of which direction your essay needs to go, the next step is to figure out how and in what order you want to put your thoughts on paper. There are millions of ways to convey the same message, and the key to writing a successful essay is in figuring out how to put the most compelling and attention-grabbing information first. From there on, it’s smooth sailing.
3. Make sure you have it all
Be sure to review all the requirements of the scholarship application, and make sure you have included everything that is required of the nursing scholarship. There’s nothing worse than spending all that time on the essay and application only to find out you don’t qualify for the scholarship or have proper documentation to submit your application. Also, have someone review your paper. We’re positive that you know all the grammar rules, but sometimes our eyes deceive us! Whether it’s your friend, parent, coworker, or teacher, have someone revise your application to make sure there are no grammatical errors and that your paper flows smoothly!
Travel Nurse Source has a scholarship available – “Future U.S. Nurse Scholarship” – and the deadline to apply is quickly approaching. Check out the criteria, terms, and conditions, and apply now! Good luck!
