We’re excited to introduce a new feature called External Requests. External Requests provide a new, flexible way to collect letters of recommendation, transcripts from counselors, approvals, and really anything you might want from a third party.

Key parts of the new External Requests feature:

• Mini-questionnaires - Use any of the standard AwardSpring question types (document upload, essay, single answer, etc.) to create a template form for the external party to complete.
• Application Integration - Requests are handled similar to questions which means you can use conditional logic, make them required or optional, integrate them with instructional text, and even move them to other sections.

With External Requests, applicants send emails to third parties to ask them to complete forms you have created. The applicant never sees the response, but is able to see that the request has been completed. This allows you to collect:

• Structured letters of recommendations so each applicant is on a more level footing when being reviewed
• Transcripts from counselors or approvals from superiors
• New types of media like video and audio

We're excited to see how you use External Requests to move more of your process online.

Thanks,
Daniel Orofino
VP, Product Management

The reality of our careers today, especially for those of us in higher education, is that we have many more responsibilities than defined by our “job description”. Rarely do we spend a majority of our time and energy working on what we had in mind to accomplish at the start of our day.

We get that. And that pull you feel towards the dozens (or hundreds) of items on your to-do list is why we do what we do. We want to help make scholarship management less of a burden so you can complete your to-do list every day.

So why scholarship management? What about the process of administering scholarships (and peripherally fellowships, stewardships and grants) is compelling? The answer is simple: we all understand how significant a role scholarships play in connecting students with their goal of advancing their education. Everyone at our company has scratched and clawed our way through finding a way to afford college. Everyone here understands how rewarding higher education can be in our lives and in the lives of those we care about. And every last one of us wants to help you continue to provide a way to make higher education more accessible and more affordable.

Sounds too simple, but it’s the truth. The goal of AwardSpring and this blog is to share ideas on how to make your job easier. We’ll share stories about what’s happening with scholarships nationwide, changing trends in managing the process, upcoming industry events, and how our platform can help you achieve your goals.

From each of us at AwardSpring, thank you for what you do. We hope our platform and the information provided in this blog will be a springboard for more efficient processes for you and your team.

Kurt Reilly
Co-Founder & CEO