Let’s be real… when you think about August, your mind probably goes to the beach, back-to-school shopping, or maybe squeezing in one last summer trip before school starts. But you know what else should be on your radar? Scholarships.
That’s right. While most people are still in summer mode, now is a great time to get your scholarship game plan together before school gets busy with classes, clubs, and, well, life.
Here’s how to build a smart, stress-free scholarship strategy now so you can apply with confidence all year long. And don’t worry, we’ve got a free download to help you organize it all.
Step 1: Start with the Big Picture
Before you dive into applications, take a beat to figure out what you're actually looking for.
It helps to know what fits your vibe so you don’t waste time applying to scholarships that don’t even make sense for you.
🎯 Pro tip: Use rischolarships.org to browse scholarships by category, deadline, and more. It’s free, easy to use, and built for Rhode Island students like you.
Step 2: Make a List (and Check It Twice)
Once you’ve explored a few scholarships that interest you, it’s time to get organized. And no, that doesn’t mean random screenshots or sticky notes all over your desk.
Download our free Scholarship Organization Checklist from the RISLA Scholarship Hub to keep track of:
This will be your guide all year long. Trust me.
Step 3: Set Scholarship Deadlines Like You Would Other Reminders
You wouldn’t miss the premiere of your favorite show, so don’t miss a scholarship deadline either.
Use your phone’s calendar, a planner, or our good ol’ Scholarship Organization Checklist to plug in every due date you find. Set reminders at least a week before each one. That way, you’re never scrambling to write an essay at midnight the day it’s due (we’ve all been there).
Step 4: Knock Out the Easy Stuff First
Not all scholarships require 1,000-word essays and three recommendation letters. Some are super quick to apply to. For example, RISLA’s Knowledge for College Scholarship is just a 3-question quiz and your answers don’t even have to be correct. You could win $2,000 just for entering.
So, while you're still in summer mode, knock out a few of the easy ones. It’ll give you momentum and make the rest feel way less intimidating.
Step 5: Prep Your Materials (Future You Will Thank You)
Most scholarships ask for at least one of the following:
You don’t want to bug your teacher for a letter when she’s mid-grading season. Get your requests in early in the school year, and keep copies of everything in a folder (Google Drive can be your BFF).
Need help writing a killer scholarship essay? Check out our Scholarship Essay Guide on the Scholarship Hub for real tips and examples.
Step 6: Make It a Habit
Applying for scholarships isn’t a one-and-done thing. Make a goal to apply to one or two per week. It doesn’t have to take over your life - just set aside a little time each week and treat it like a part-time job that pays (because it kinda is).
You could walk away with thousands in free money by the time graduation rolls around and that’s worth it.
Your August Scholarship To-Do List
Bottom line? August is your scholarship planning sweet spot. Start now while things are still chill and you’ll be ahead of the game once the year gets rolling. You've got this and the RISLA Scholarship Hub is here to help every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Explore RISLA Scholarship Hub for all the free tips and resources you’ll need to get through scholarship season.