Tips & FAQ's

Some Tips:

  • Complete the entire application.
  • Answer all questions, don’t leave blanks.
  • Regarding essay questions: be honest, be detailed, be descriptive, and most importantly - be yourself.
  • Do not write short, couple-of-sentence essays.
  • Get a fresh set of eyes; have someone else read your essays to catch grammar errors, misspelled words, run-on sentences, et cetera.
  • Read your answers out loud.
  • Remember, you are trying to make a good impression so make your best effort.
  • Additional tips are available online, please click here to view

Tips for Unique Student Populations

Myths and Frequently Asked Questions about Scholarships

Myth: Your GPA must be a 4.0.

  • Fact: Most scholarships do require a certain GPA but rarely a perfect 4.0

Myth: They are only available to incoming freshmen.

  • Fact: Each scholarship is tailored to a population of students that the donor wishes to help. It could be returning adults, students of a certain age, et cetera.

Myth: You have to qualify for a Pell Grant through the FAFSA to receive a scholarship.

  • Fact: Not all scholarships are need-based and may not even require a completed FAFSA.

Myth: You are required to be full time (12 credits per semester).

  • Fact: Some scholarships help students who are attending half-time (at least 6 credits).

Myth: Your placement test scores are too low.

  • Fact: Not many scholarships require placement test scores; they have other requirements that the student must meet instead.

  • Scholarships are monies given to you as a gift to help pay for college. Therefore scholarships are considered Financial Aid.
  • Scholarships are offered through local and national organizations, businesses, institutions and private donors and even GCC.
  • These funds are given through applications either maintained by the colleges or the donors.
  • Amounts and qualifiers vary for each scholarship.
  • Special requirements may be attached.

Scholarships will only be considered for advertisement through the Financial Aid Office and Website if they are specifically for GCC’s students.

Some are for specific majors or degree programs, some are need-based, and others are based exclusively on academic merit. Each scholarship varies and each application will outline requirements.

There is no one deadline as donors determine each aspect of their scholarship opportunities. They open at different times of the year and close at different times as well. It is highly recommended for students to check resources often for new opportunities.

It can take approximately 10-15 business days once GCC has received confirmation of your scholarship, however this can vary during peak processing times.

It depends on the type and amount of Financial Aid you are receiving. Please visit the Financial Aid Office for a detailed look into your file.

You can use financial aid to cover the following school expenses: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, the cost of a computer, and personal expenses including transportation. You should check with the donor that awarded you the scholarship about any restrictions on the use of funds.

  • Your answers should mention how you meet the minimum requirements for each scholarship.
  • Read the essay directions carefully and write complete sentences.
  • Essay questions often have two or three parts to them. This requires you to write 3 or more sentences on each part. If you only write 1 or 2 sentences, you may be disqualified as a candidate for the scholarship.
  • Some scholarships are highly competitive, so make yourself stand out by following all of the instructions.
  • You may be asked to include some personal life experiences, such as your academic efforts thus far, obstacles you have overcome to continue your education, or your hobbies/interests.

If your major or program of study is not listed, select a major that most closely resembles it.

  • Utilize resources such as How to Avoid Scams on the Department of Education's website.
  • If they ask for money to help find you money, it is probably a scam.
  • You are “guaranteed” a scholarship if you apply, it is probably a scam.
  • If in doubt, research them just like you would when buying a big-ticket item.

If you received the check, bring it directly to the Financial Aid Office at either the Main or North Campuses. If your donor wishes to mail the check to the campus, please have them send it to the following address:

Glendale Community College

Attn: Financial Aid Office          

6000 W. Olive Ave

Glendale AZ 85302

  • Your college’s or university’s website
  • Browse the list of External Scholarships
  • Your employer
  • Your parent’s employer
  • Non-profits where you volunteer

For questions about Academic Works scholarships, please contact foundation.scholarships@domail.maricopa.edu

Is there a video I can watch for additional help?

  • Yes. Before applying to any opportunities, watch this tutorial on tips for completing your scholarship application successfully.

Where can I get help regarding scholarships?

  • Financial Aid Office
  • Writing Center
  • Instructors
  • Family and friends
  • Religious organizations
  • Newspapers or Libraries
  • CollegeBoard.com has a great How-To article
  • FinAid.org’s Scholarship Fundamentals is a great resource

What if I need more help?