Navigating the scholarship application process can be daunting, but we’re here to help. Check out these helpful resources for tips and suggestions.
- Do you identify as a woman?
- Are you an incoming college freshman with at least a 3.5 unweighted high school GPA?
- Do you plan to be a full-time engineering or computer science student during the 2024-2025 academic year?
- Are you enrolling in an ABET-accredited engineering program? (Psst…You can check online if a program is accredited.)
If you answered “Yes” to all of these questions, then you are eligible to apply for a SWE scholarship! Read on for tips and suggestions to help you navigate the application process and increase your odds of success.
Applications for Incoming Freshmen Scholarships Are Due March 31, 2024
Visit swe.org/scholarships for complete details and answers to frequently asked questions. With one application you are considered for all SWE scholarships for which you are eligible.
Before you start your application, review this checklist and collect all of the information you’ll need.
Learn Best Practices for Writing Your Scholarship Application Essay
The application essay is one of the most important parts of the application. Here’s a list of dos and don’ts to keep in mind when writing your essay:
- DON’T focus on what an engineer does in an abstract way.
– DO tell us why you want to be an engineer and what you would do! - DON’T focus on things you’ve done that may not have any relation to engineering.
– DO tell us about all the great things you’ve done, while highlighting activities and accomplishments related to STEM areas. - DON’T jump around from topic to topic without any structure.
– DO organize your thoughts and make connections between topics. - DON’T make grammar mistakes.
– DO ask someone else to proofread your essay before submitting it.
Read this example of a bad essay to avoid common pitfalls, and check out these additional tips and tricks to make your application shine.
Hear From Past Scholarship Judges
Are you wondering what the judges will be looking for and how they will score your application? Check out these videos and learn more from past judges.
Access Additional Scholarship Opportunities and Advice from SWENext High School Leadership Academy (SHLA) and SWENext TV
The SWE Outreach Committee gave a presentation through SWENext TV for SWENexters about applying for scholarships and financial aid. This presentation does a deep dive into these subjects with SWE members who have been through it themselves.
There are many scholarships out there, so remember to do your research. The U.S. Department of Labor has a free scholarship search tool and your school guidance counselor may be aware of additional scholarship opportunities in your local area.
It’s also good to research scholarships that may be available through local religious and civic organizations, your parents’ employers, or professional associations. While some applications might not be open yet, it’s good to start doing your research and compiling application materials. Best of luck!
