You'll increase your chances of success by starting to research possibilities early. Carefully consider your academic goals, financial needs, and the best way to meet both. Discuss possibilities with faculty members who know you well or who are knowledgeable about your area of study. Begin working on the written materials your applications will require well ahead of the deadline. You will want to have your adviser or another faculty member and any campus scholarship or fellowship representatives associated with the award you are applying for look over your essay or prospectus before you submit your application.
Many applications require letters of recommendation from faculty.
Ideally, you already know several faculty members who have taught you in class or worked with you on independent projects and are well equipped to write informed, specific letters about you. Although it may be tempting to ask a dean or prominent faculty member for a recommendation, it is truly best to have your letters written by faculty who know you and your work. If you don't yet feel any faculty know you well enough, make an appointment with some of the faculty whose courses you have taken, even if you don't know them personally, to talk to them about your plans and to see if they would be comfortable writing for you. Read the application instructions carefully to see which kind of references are required. If you have any questions, contact the National Scholarships Coordinator, the campus representative for that scholarship or fellowship, or the sponsoring organization directly.