What are the biggest challenges in scholarship applications for new college students?

I'm planning to apply for college scholarships but I'm worried about potential challenges. What are the biggest hurdles new college students usually face while applying for scholarships, and how do you guys deal with them?

Applying for scholarships is a great way to alleviate some of the financial burden of college, so it's fantastic you're looking into it. There are a few common challenges that new college students often face when applying for scholarships:

1. Finding the right scholarships: With so many scholarships out there, it can be difficult to find the ones that best match your skills, interests, and background. There are various resources out there (like CollegeBoard’s BigFuture and the new website Appily) where you can search for scholarships based on different criteria (e.g., interests, demographic info). Utilize these to narrow down your search.

2. Deadlines: Scholarship applications often have different dates and deadlines, and keeping track of them all can be overwhelming. Creating a spreadsheet or calendar specifically for scholarship deadlines can be useful to manage your time effectively and ensure nothing slips through cracks.

3. Writing essays: Many scholarships require essays as part of the application process. Crafting an essay that stands out can be challenging, but taking the time to brainstorm, draft, and revise can help. Remember, each essay should be personalized to the scholarship you're applying for, so avoid recycling the same essay for multiple applications.

4. Packaging yourself: It can be difficult to present yourself in a way that appeals to scholarship evaluators. Highlighting your unique experiences, achievements, and goals can help differentiate you from other applicants. Preparing specific examples that demonstrate your strengths and skills will also be beneficial.

5. Knowing if a scholarship is legitimate: Unfortunately, there are scams out there preying on students looking for scholarships. If any scholarship asks for money upfront, promises guaranteed winnings or does not have a clear selection process, it may be a scam.

6. Maintaining motivation: Applying for scholarships is a process that requires diligence and persistence. Stay motivated by keeping your eyes on the ultimate goal: reducing the financial burden of your education. Every application you submit gets you one step closer to that goal.

These challenges can be managed with some planning, organization, and hard work. Remember, there's no single formula to winning a scholarship. It's a mixture of effort, preparation, and sometimes a bit of luck.