Help Center

How do I create an account?

Creating an account is simple:

1. Click "Get Started" or "Sign Up" on the homepage
2. Enter your email address and create a secure password
3. Verify your email address through the confirmation link
4. Complete your student profile to unlock scholarship matching

Is Scholarship Edge free to use?

Yes! Scholarship Edge is completely free for students. Our mission is to remove financial barriers to education, which includes making our platform accessible to everyone.

What makes Scholarship Edge different?

Scholarship Edge combines intelligent matching with AI-powered assistance:

• Smart Matching: AI analyzes your profile to find relevant scholarships
• Essay Assistant: Get personalized writing guidance and suggestions
• Application Tracking: Manage deadlines and requirements in one place
• Document Organization: Store and organize all your application materials

Why is my profile important?

Your profile is the foundation of our scholarship matching system. The more complete and accurate your profile, the better we can match you with relevant opportunities. Include:

• Academic information (GPA, school, graduation year)
• Field of study and career interests
• Demographic information (optional but helpful for targeted scholarships)
• Extracurricular activities and achievements
• Financial information (helps identify need-based scholarships)

How do I update my profile?

You can update your profile anytime:

1. Go to your Profile page from the main navigation
2. Click "Edit Profile" to make changes
3. Update any information that has changed
4. Save your changes to refresh scholarship recommendations

Is my information secure?

Absolutely. We use enterprise-grade security measures including data encryption, secure authentication, and strict access controls. Read our Security page for complete details.

How does scholarship matching work?

Our AI-powered matching system analyzes your profile against thousands of scholarship criteria including:

• Academic requirements (GPA, field of study, education level)
• Demographic criteria (gender, ethnicity, first-generation status)
• Financial need requirements
• Geographic restrictions
• Special interests and affiliations

Can I search for specific scholarships?

Yes! Use the search and filter options on the Scholarships page:

• Search by keyword: Enter specific terms or scholarship names
• Filter by amount: Find scholarships within your target range
• Filter by deadline: Focus on scholarships with approaching deadlines
• Filter by requirements: Match specific criteria like GPA or field of study

How often are new scholarships added?

Our scholarship database is regularly updated with new opportunities. We recommend checking weekly for new matches and setting up deadline reminders for scholarships you're interested in.

How do I track my applications?

The Application Tracker helps you stay organized:

1. Add scholarships to your tracker from the scholarship details page
2. Set your application status (Not Started, In Progress, Submitted, Awarded)
3. Use the checklist feature to track requirements
4. Set deadline reminders to stay on schedule
5. Add notes about your progress and requirements

What is the Application Helper?

The Application Helper is your personal assistant for each scholarship:

• Autofill Forms: Pre-populate common information from your profile
• 7-Step Checklist: Track completion of all requirements
• Copy to Clipboard: Easily transfer information to application forms
• Deadline Tracking: Visual countdown to application deadlines

Can I set deadline reminders?

Yes! You can set custom reminder dates for each scholarship application. We recommend setting reminders 2-4 weeks before the deadline to allow adequate preparation time.

How does the AI essay assistant work?

Our AI essay assistant helps you craft compelling scholarship essays:

• Personalized Prompts: AI considers your profile and the scholarship requirements
• Structure Guidance: Suggestions for essay organization and flow
• Content Ideas: Relevant examples and themes based on your experiences
• Tone Recommendations: Appropriate writing style for each scholarship

Should I use the AI-generated essay as-is?

No! The AI assistant provides suggestions and guidance, not final essays. Always:

• Customize the content to reflect your unique experiences
• Verify all facts and details are accurate
• Ensure the voice and style match your personality
• Proofread and edit thoroughly before submission

Can I save my essay drafts?

Yes! Use the Document Management feature to save, organize, and track your essay drafts. You can create multiple versions and easily access them when needed.

What types of documents can I store?

You can store various types of application materials:

• Essays: Scholarship essays and personal statements
• Transcripts: Official and unofficial academic records
• Resumes: Academic and professional experience summaries
• Letters of Recommendation: Reference letters from teachers or employers
• Certificates: Awards, achievements, and certifications

How do I upload documents?

Uploading documents is straightforward:

1. Go to the Documents page
2. Click "Upload Document"
3. Select your file and choose the document type
4. Add a descriptive title and any relevant notes
5. Save the document to your library

Are there file size limits?

Yes, for security and performance reasons:

• Maximum file size: 10 MB per document
• Supported formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX, TXT, JPG, PNG
• Storage limit: 100 MB total per account

I can't log in to my account

Try these solutions:

1. Check that you're using the correct email and password
2. Clear your browser cache and cookies
3. Try using a different browser or incognito/private mode
4. Reset your password if needed
5. Contact support if problems persist

My profile won't save

Common causes and solutions:

• Required fields: Ensure all required fields are completed
• Connection issues: Check your internet connection
• Browser issues: Try refreshing the page or using a different browser
• Form validation: Check for error messages and correct any invalid entries

The scholarship search isn't working

Try these troubleshooting steps:

• Complete your profile to enable accurate matching
• Clear search filters and try again
• Use different search terms or keywords
• Refresh the page and try again

How can I get additional help?

If you can't find the answer you need, we're here to help:

What information should I include in my support request?

To help us assist you quickly, please include:

• Your account email address
• Detailed description of the issue
• Steps you've already tried
• Browser and operating system information
• Screenshots if applicable