What to Do If Your Scholarship Isn’t Getting Enough Applications

Kaleidoscope

Every fall, it happens. A scholarship launches… and crickets. The applications trickle in, but nowhere near what you expected. Before you assume students just “aren’t interested,” it’s worth troubleshooting.

Low applications don’t always mean a lack of demand; they often signal missed opportunities in communication, targeting, or timing. Here’s how to get things back on track.

Mid-Cycle Fixes That Actually Work

The biggest mistake you can make? Going silent. If you’re noticing low application numbers a few weeks in, there are still plenty of ways to spark interest:

Refresh your language. Rework headlines, simplify eligibility, or highlight key benefits more clearly. A few small edits can help your message resonate. Just don’t make edits to your actual application; that can cause further confusion amongst applicants.

Extend your deadline. Even a one-week extension gives you room to re-engage potential applicants who need a nudge.

Post again. Then post again. Algorithms bury content fast. Re-share the opportunity with new visuals, student quotes, or deadline reminders.

Don’t underestimate the power of visibility; even a great scholarship can’t do much if no one knows about it.

Expand Your Reach (Fast)

Your next move: tap into networks that already have student trust and reach.

High school and college counselors: They often have newsletters or scholarship lists. A personal email goes a long way.

Community organizations: Think youth mentorship programs, nonprofits, or local cultural groups that work with students directly.

Creators and micro-influencers: Gen Z responds to peer voices. Find a few with engaged audiences (even small ones!) and offer a free scholarship code to share.

Speed and relevance are key. The right share in the right place can unlock a wave of new interest.

How to Prevent This Next Time

Stronger applications start with stronger promotions well before launch day. Here’s how to build a better pipeline next time:

Start a waitlist or early interest form. Build buzz and capture emails a month before your scholarship opens.

Work with student ambassadors. Invite past winners or passionate students to help promote the opportunity in their networks.

Use phased promotion. Don’t put everything in one post. Plan multiple content angles (impact stories, deadline alerts, how-to tips) to keep momentum going.

Bonus: Platforms like Kaleidoscope can help you track what messaging works, trigger reminders to past viewers, and keep applicants engaged from start to finish.

Kaleidoscope’s connect feature allows you to track and schedule messaging to applicants, ensuring they stay engaged.

Don’t Panic, Pivot

Low application numbers aren’t the end of the story. With a few smart adjustments and the right outreach, you can still turn things around and lay the foundation for a stronger next cycle.

And if you’re stuck? Kaleidoscope supports both mid-cycle marketing and full-cycle program strategy. Let’s make sure your next scholarship gets the traction it deserves.

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