How to Make Scholarship Applications Easier for Students
Scholarship applications are important, but they can also be a pain. They can be long, complicated, and time-consuming. This can discourage students from applying, especially those who are already struggling with other commitments.
Scholarship providers can make their applications more accessible by following these tips:
Start by clearly defining your goals. What do you hope to achieve with your scholarships? Who are you trying to help? Different goals mean different questions, requirements, and processes. For example, a scholarship for first-generation college students will have different criteria than a scholarship for students studying STEM.
Only ask for the information you need. Don't ask students for more information than you need to determine eligibility and select the best candidates. Everything else is just extra work for them, and it may discourage them from applying.
Use simpler question formats. Multiple-choice questions are easier and faster to answer than open-ended questions. You can also automate some of the eligibility and selection process to make it easier for everyone involved.
Make the application process accessible. The application should be able to be completed on a variety of devices, and you should provide alternative formats for students with disabilities.
Communicate clearly and encourage completion. Use simple and clear language in your instructions, and send reminders and encouraging messages to applicants.
To evaluate the effectiveness of your application process, you can:
Test the process yourself. Pretend to be a student and go through the application process yourself. This will help you identify any pain points.
Have a group of students test it. Ask a small group of current scholars or other students to complete the application and provide feedback. Give them a stipend for their time and assistance.
Survey applicants. Ask applicants to rate the ease of the application process and provide feedback on how you can improve it. You can include these questions (and make them optional, if you want) at the end of your application, but remember to communicate that their answers will not impact the consideration of their application!
Review aggregate applicant data. This data can help you identify trends, such as which applicant groups are starting and completing the application process. You can use this information to refine your application process over time.
By following these tips, scholarship providers can make their applications more accessible and equitable for all students. Want help updating your applications? Contact our team today to discuss process evaluations and other options!
