7 Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid: Fund Your Education in 2025

Mistake 1: Overlooking Scholarship Guidelines

Failing to follow scholarship guidelines is one of the most common and detrimental mistakes.

Christine Perrault, Associate Director at the St. John’s Office of Undergraduate Admission, explains: “Scholarship guidelines ensure a fair and organized evaluation process. If students overlook important details or fail to meet specific criteria, it can signal a lack of attention to detail or respect for the program’s requirements, leading to disqualification or lower scores.”

How to Avoid:  Develop a checklist to ensure you meet all scholarship requirements, including eligibility, documents, and essay prompts. Additionally, double-check the application deadline and submission format to avoid missing crucial steps that could impact your chances.

Mistake 2: Submitting an Unpolished Application 

A sloppy or unprofessional application can harm your chances of receiving a scholarship. Since committees review many applications, standing out with a polished and professional submission is essential.

Jillian Perota, Assistant Director at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, advises: “A polished application demonstrates that you are serious and prepared for the opportunity.” 

Ms. Perrault adds, “Ensure your résumé is well-structured, your essays are thoughtful, and all documents are clear and concise. 

How to Avoid:  Review each section for accuracy, use formal language, and maintain a consistent, professional tone throughout all materials.

Mistake 3: Missing Scholarship Application Deadlines 

One of the most preventable mistakes is submitting your application after the deadline. Many students underestimate how long it will take to complete the application, leading to last-minute scrambles.  

Ms. Perrault explains: “Deadlines are critical markers for students to demonstrate responsibility and commitment. Missing one usually results in automatic disqualification. For programs with limited seats, like Pharmacy, missing the deadline could drastically impact your chances of admission." 

How to Avoid:  Mark all scholarship deadlines on your calendar and aim to submit your application at least one week before the official due date. Set reminders a few days in advance to ensure you have ample time to review and make necessary adjustments.

Mistake 4: Writing Generic Admission Essays 

Generic essays fail to capture the attention of scholarship committees. Refrain from reusing the same essay for multiple applications, as this could hurt your chances of success.

Ms. Perota explains: “Personalized essays give the reader insight into who you are and why you’re a good fit for the scholarship.” A tailored essay allows you to connect your goals with the scholarship’s mission, making your application stand out.

How to Avoid:  Research the scholarship’s values and requirements to ensure your essay addresses those aspects.

Mistake 5: Skipping the Proofreading Step 

Even if your essay is well-written, minor spelling, grammar, or clarity issues can undermine its impact. “Minor errors, such as typos or grammatical mistakes, can suggest carelessness, which diminishes the overall impact of an otherwise strong application,” Ms. Perrault says. Incorrect contact information, such as a misspelled phone number or wrong address, can cause you to miss critical communication.

How to Avoid:  Proofread your application multiple times and read it aloud to catch errors or unclear phrasing. Ask a mentor, friend, or family member to review it for additional feedback and to ensure all instructions are followed.

Mistake 6: Choosing the Wrong Recommenders

Letters of recommendation are a crucial part of your scholarship application. When choosing recommenders, Ms. Perota advises, “Select someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your character and achievements.” 

Ms. Perrault adds, “A letter of recommendation from someone who understands the scholarship’s criteria and can speak to how you embody these qualities is far more impactful.”

How to Avoid: Take time to carefully consider who will write your letters of recommendation. Before asking, talk with them about the scholarship and provide context about why you are applying, including critical achievements and personal experiences demonstrating your fit. 

Mistake 7: Procrastinating 

Procrastination can be a significant risk in scholarship applications. Waiting until the last minute can result in errors, rushed submissions, or missed deadlines.

Procrastination can lead to incomplete or rushed applications. “Starting early gives you time to revise and seek feedback, leading to a well-thought-out submission,” Ms. Perrault advises. 

Ms. Perota echoes this sentiment, explaining that scholarships, especially those awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, are given sooner to early applicants.

How to avoid:Set internal deadlines for completing each application section and break the process into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.