Motivating Your Student to Apply for Scholarships

Do you find your child lacking motivation when it comes to finding grants and scholarships? While some students are intrinsically motivated and will search out and apply for scholarships on their own, other students may need a little encouragement to accomplish these tasks.

Rather than getting frustrated, try to remember that this is one of the first times your child has had to navigate financial waters. Here are a few simple ways to motivate your child to apply for scholarships before and during college.

Discuss college costs and finances with your child.

Your student may not fully understand how much college can cost. Have an honest discussion with your child about the costs of their top colleges, and explain how much money you will be able to contribute. Then, share the importance of creating a college budget, preparing for student loans, and applying for scholarships to help cover college expenses.

While your student may be more focused on which clubs they’ll join and their newfound freedom, helping them understand the importance of financial aid can make their college experience much more fruitful.

Share scholarship success stories.

Sometimes, all it takes to motivate your student to apply for scholarships is sharing how their peers are reducing the cost of college. Ask other parents which scholarships their child was able to secure, and even let your child know the lump sum their friend was able to save.

Explain each student’s processes for obtaining the scholarships and talk with your student about how they can take steps to get college scholarships themselves.

Assist with developing a scholarship organization plan.

It pays to be organized when it comes to college scholarships. From deadlines to account passwords to application requirements, your student will have many details to remember.

Developing a scholarship organization plan will help deter your child from becoming overwhelmed, motivating them to complete applications. Share these organization tips with your child to make the process of applying for scholarships a little easier.

Provide incentives.

Using extrinsic motivators, such as rewards, can encourage your student to take action. Consider making a deal with your child that if they apply for a certain amount of scholarships, you’ll reward them with a trip to their favorite restaurant or an outfit they’ve had their eye on.

Give your child a free pass.

Most teens would gladly give up their household chores to complete other tasks, even if the task involves academics. Allow your child a free pass on chores if they use that time to search out and complete scholarship applications.

Set realistic goals.

If you’re constantly reminding your child to spend their free time looking for scholarship leads and filling out applications, they may begin to feel defeated. Work with your student to set realistic goals for the number of hours spent each week on the scholarship application process.

Acknowledge and encourage your child’s efforts.

Positive encouragement can work wonders to increase your child’s motivation. By letting your child know that you have seen and appreciate their efforts to apply for scholarships, you are giving them the confidence they need to continue applying for more.

For more information about scholarships, be sure to read the scholarships and grants from our friends at eCampus Tours.