Scholarship Tip #8: What Happens After I Submit a Scholarship Application?

Introduction

Scholarship Tip #8: What Happens After I Submit a Scholarship Application? After hitting “submit” on your scholarship application, you might feel a mix of excitement and anxiety as you wait for the results. But what exactly happens after your application is submitted? Understanding the post-application process can ease some of that uncertainty and help you stay prepared for what’s next. From the initial review to final decisions, several steps happen behind the scenes before you receive an answer. Knowing these steps can give you insight into the process and help you manage your expectations.

In this post, we’ll walk through what happens after you submit a scholarship application, including how applications are reviewed, what to expect during the waiting period, and how to follow up for updates.

The Review Process: What Happens After You Submit

Once you submit your scholarship application, it enters the hands of the scholarship committee or the organization responsible for evaluating applicants. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages your application goes through:

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the review process is usually an initial screening. During this stage, scholarship administrators review applications to ensure that all required materials are included and that applicants meet the eligibility criteria. This may involve verifying:

• Whether your application is complete (e.g., you’ve included all essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.).
• If you meet the scholarship’s specific eligibility requirements (e.g., GPA, residency status, field of study, financial need).

Applications that don’t meet these basic requirements may be disqualified at this stage, so it’s crucial to double-check your application before submitting.

2. Committee Review

Once your application passes the initial screening, it moves on to the scholarship committee. Depending on the scholarship, the review process can vary, but typically the committee will assess:

• Academic performance: Review of your grades, transcripts, and any standardized test scores you submitted.
• Essays and personal statements: The committee will carefully read your essays to assess your personal story, goals, and alignment with the scholarship’s mission or values.
• Letters of recommendation: Evaluators look for insights into your character, leadership potential, and academic or extracurricular achievements.
• Extracurricular involvement: Leadership roles, community service, and other extracurricular activities may be considered to evaluate your well-roundedness.

At this stage, applications are often scored or ranked based on how well they meet the scholarship’s specific criteria. Depending on the scholarship’s size and number of applicants, the review process can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months.

3. Final Selection

After the committee completes its reviews, the top applicants move to the final selection stage. During this phase, the committee may:

• Narrow down the pool of applicants to a shortlist of finalists.
• Conduct interviews or request additional information from candidates (in some cases).
• Hold discussions among committee members to determine which applicants will receive the award.

Final decisions are usually made based on a combination of factors, including academic merit, financial need, leadership qualities, and alignment with the scholarship’s mission. In highly competitive scholarships, the difference between the winner and runner-up can come down to small details, like the strength of a personal statement or a compelling letter of recommendation.

The Waiting Period: What to Expect

After submitting your application, the waiting period can feel long and nerve-wracking. However, there are things you can do during this time to stay productive and informed:

1. Timeline for Notifications

Scholarships usually provide an estimated timeline for when they will notify applicants of the results. This information can often be found on the scholarship’s website or in the confirmation email you receive after submitting your application. Typical notification periods range from one to four months, depending on the size and complexity of the scholarship.

While waiting, it’s important to be patient. Scholarship committees often review hundreds, if not thousands, of applications, and careful deliberation takes time. If the deadline for notifications passes without any updates, you can consider following up (see more below).

2. Checking for Updates

During the waiting period, keep an eye on your email for any communications from the scholarship provider. They may send updates, requests for additional information, or confirmation that your application has been received. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder regularly, as scholarship notifications can sometimes end up there.

Some scholarship programs also provide online portals where applicants can check the status of their submissions. If you have access to such a portal, make it a habit to check for any status changes.

How to Follow Up After Submitting Your Application

If the waiting period has passed and you haven’t heard anything, or if you have concerns about your application’s status, you may want to follow up with the scholarship provider. Here’s how to do so professionally:

1. When to Follow Up

Before following up, check the timeline provided by the scholarship. If they indicated that decisions would be announced by a certain date, wait until that deadline passes before reaching out. Following up too early can be seen as impatient, so it’s important to give the committee enough time to review all applications.

As a general rule, consider following up if:

• The scholarship provider gave a timeline, and that deadline has passed.
• It’s been several months since you submitted your application, and you haven’t received any updates.

2. How to Follow Up Professionally

When following up, be polite, concise, and respectful. A well-crafted email can show professionalism and maintain a positive impression. Here’s an example of how to follow up:

Subject: Follow-up on [Scholarship Name] Application Status

Dear [Scholarship Provider’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I recently submitted my application for the [Scholarship Name], and I wanted to kindly inquire about the status of the review process. I understand that these decisions take time, but I wanted to confirm that my application was received and ask if there is an updated timeline for when applicants will be notified of the results.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Be sure to include any relevant details, such as your application ID or submission date, if applicable.

After the Decision: What’s Next?

Once you receive a decision from the scholarship provider, there are several possible outcomes:

1. If You’re Awarded the Scholarship

Congratulations! If you’re selected as a scholarship recipient, the next steps usually involve:

• Acceptance: You may need to formally accept the scholarship by signing an acceptance letter or agreement. Be sure to carefully review any terms or conditions associated with the award, such as maintaining a certain GPA or completing specific coursework.
• Fund Disbursement: Scholarships typically disburse funds directly to your educational institution to cover tuition and fees. Some scholarships may also provide stipends for books, housing, or other expenses.
• Thank-You Letter: It’s a good practice to write a thank-you letter to the scholarship provider to express your gratitude. This helps maintain a positive relationship, which can be beneficial if you plan to apply for future scholarships or grants from the same organization.

2. If You’re Not Selected

If you’re not awarded the scholarship, don’t be discouraged. Scholarships are highly competitive, and even excellent applicants may not win every time. Here’s what you can do next:

• Request Feedback (If Possible): Some scholarship programs may provide feedback on your application, allowing you to improve for future submissions. While not all scholarships offer this, it’s worth asking if feedback is available.
• Apply Again: Many scholarships are offered annually, so consider reapplying next year if you’re still eligible. Use the time between application cycles to strengthen your profile by improving your grades, gaining more leadership experience, or refining your personal statement.
• Look for Other Opportunities: There are countless scholarships available, so keep searching for new opportunities. Use this experience as a learning process to enhance your future applications.

Conclusion

After submitting a scholarship application, understanding the post-application process can help ease any anxiety and give you a clearer sense of what to expect. From the initial screening to the final selection, your application goes through several important stages before a decision is made. By staying patient, organized, and proactive, you can manage the waiting period effectively and be prepared for whatever outcome you receive.

Remember, applying for scholarships is a journey. Each application, whether successful or not, brings you one step closer to securing the financial aid you need to pursue your educational dreams.

FAQs

What happens after I submit a scholarship application?
After submission, your application goes through an initial screening to ensure completeness and eligibility. It is then reviewed by a scholarship committee, which evaluates your academic performance, essays, and other materials before making final decisions.

How long does it take to hear back after submitting a scholarship application?
The timeline varies by scholarship, but most provide notifications within one to four months. Always check the scholarship’s website for specific timelines, and be patient as the review process can take time.

Can I follow up on my scholarship application?
Yes, if the stated timeline has passed and you haven’t received an update, you can follow up politely with the scholarship provider to inquire about the status of your application.

What should I do if I don’t win the scholarship?
If you don’t win, consider seeking feedback (if available) and applying again next year. Use the experience to improve your application and keep searching for other scholarship opportunities.

How will I receive the scholarship funds if I win?
Scholarship funds are typically sent directly to your school to cover tuition and fees. Some scholarships may also provide additional stipends for living expenses, books, or other academic-related costs.

Can I apply for the same scholarship next year if I don’t win?
Yes, many scholarships are offered annually, and you can reapply if you meet the eligibility criteria. Use your experience from this year to improve your chances next time.