If one is considering going to school to become a civil engineer, it can be hard to find scholarships. These awards are highly competitive so becoming as attractive and eligible as possible is vital to winning a scholarship.

One important decision is to apply to a college that is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). This board is the gold standard for engineering. If one intends to become a licensed professional engineer, the diploma must come from a school that is ABET accredited. In fact, students cannot even sit for the professional engineering exam if the school of origin is not an ABET accredited school. As a result, most of these specific scholarships require the student to be enrolled in a school that is ABET accredited.

Many students considering the field of engineering are great at math and science. However, they may be a bit weak in their writing and English skills. If a one is hoping to win a scholarship, it is crucial to become a good writer. Many scholarships require the writing of an essay. These essays are how an applicant can show individuality, setting the application apart from those of others. A good essay can make an applicant come alive to the scholarship board. By writing a technically correct, thoughtful, coherent essay, one will have an advantage over students who are weak in writing.

Civil engineering scholarship boards are wanting to award scholarships to serious students who are adequately prepared for the coursework they will be facing in college. They want to give money to students who will be able to work hard and have the discipline to complete the course. Test scores and grade point averages are important, but so are personal recommendations that teachers will write. One must demonstrate to the board a preparedness for handling the responsibilities of college and the determination to not drop out when it gets tough. Recommendations will testify to character. If a student has not demonstrated to teachers a seriousness about school, it will limit his eligibility for scholarships.

Many civil engineering scholarships require applicants to submit a detailed financial plan for college expenses. If the student has not thought that far ahead, it is a good idea to begin to consider exactly how money will be handled while at college. A student might need to research the costs of rent, food and utilities in the area in which he will be living. Having an idea of how much money will be needed will demonstrate to the board that one has fully considered the ramifications of the challenges of college, as well as maturity and responsibility.

Civil engineering is a solid academic field with many career opportunities. Since the competition for scholarships in this area is fierce, it is important to be prepared in order to have a better chance of winning one.