Educate Yourself About National Scholarships

• Know what a particular scholarship foundation wants in its candidates. Many National Scholarships have specific goals in mind when looking to fund students. Understand what they want early so you can best prepare yourself to be a strong competitor. Look at website bios to get a good idea of what they are looking for.
   
• Do not wait until your junior year to begin pursuing research opportunities. Identify opportunities as early as your freshman year to be prepared.

Take a Variety of Courses from Across the Curriculum

• Take advantage of electives. Use them as an opportunity to step outside of your major and broaden your horizons.
   
• Remember that your GPA is very important for national scholarships. Study.
   
• Participate in the Monmouth College Honors Program to enhance your college experience.

Make Meaningful Connections with Faculty

• Take advantage of opportunities to meet faculty on campus.
   
• Work closely with a number of faculty in a variety of disciplines.
   
• Get to know faculty in ways that will enable them to write effective letters of recommendation necessary for your success.

Seek Out Leadership Opportunities

• Think about how you can be a leader on campus, in your field of study and in your community.
   
• Pursue interesting and relevant summer opportunities.
   
• Start a new organization or seek out leadership opportunities within organizations that you are a member.
   
• Volunteer in your community with organizations that you are passionate about.
   
• Find a community need in which you can create a program for.

Be Well-versed in Current Events

• Demonstrate an interest in and an understanding of current events.
   
• Determine where you stand on important issues.
   
• Read national and international newspapers and periodicals like Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Time on a regular basis.

Develop an Undergraduate Research Project

• Seek out original research.
   
• Present your work at student conferences.

Consider Prospective Graduate Programs

• Consult faculty and advisors in your field of interest.
   
• Contact faculty at desirable institutions, visit applicable web sites, research application deadlines, procedures, and eligibility requirements.
   
• Remember that any effort you make to prepare yourself for National Scholarship competitions will also enhance your prospects for gaining admission to graduate or professional school.

Need help with note taking and study skills? Check out the Study Skills Workshops.