When you are applying for a government issued scholarship, there are a few things you can do to greatly increase your chances of getting the grant. First and foremost, you should aim on starting your search for what grants you are going to apply for early. The reason for this is due to the fact that many

1. Apply Early, Apply Often

Start your research early using Scholarship Search. Give an allowable time for researching scholarships so that you have many options to choose from, request information and application materials and complete your application. Be sure to apply as early as you can because sometimes it takes months for the administration of the government to process the forms you give them. Their correspondence is also sent by mail, so you have to allow for 4 to 6 weeks time for delivery.

2. Application Tips

- Read the eligibility requirements carefully

- Organize all scholarship materials by creating a separate file for each scholarship

- Have your highschool transcript ready

- Have your SIN number ready as well as two pieces of photo identification

- Have your parent's financial information and tax returns ready

- Prewrite an essay

- Get letters of recommendation written for you

- If you are applying to an arts program have a portfolio ready

- Always follow instructions

3. When Applying, Remember The Following

First, you will want to quickly double-check your application if you are using the same information to apply to multiple scholarship grants. Be sure you have not left any incorrect names or blank fields. Again, it can not be stressed enough that you need to apply early. In some cases applications that are recieved late are not processed at all or stored on file - they get shredded and go right in the garbage.

4. Taxes That Relate To Government Scholarship Grants

You need to report any grants that you get from the government when doing your taxes. Amounts you are receiving from a scholarship or fellowship are used for tuition and fees required for enrolment or attendance at the educational institution such as books, supplies and equipment required for courses of instruction. The amounts you received are not as payments for your services however if it is under the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program or the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship and Financial Assistance Program, the amount is tax free without regard to any services you are oblige to perform. Gross income amounts used for incidental expenses such as room and board, travel and optional equipment are included as well as amounts received as payments for teaching, research and other services required as a recipient of a scholarship or fellowship grant. You may have to make estimated tax payments if in case any part of your scholarship or fellowship grant is taxable.