# Page 5 | SmarterSelect Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra

> Page 5 - Is SmarterSelect the right Scholarship Management solution for you? Explore 227 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice.

Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/140270/SmarterSelect/reviews

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SmarterSelect

4.4 (227)

[View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/140270/SmarterSelect/alternatives/)

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Last updated March 13th, 2026

# Page 5 - Reviews of SmarterSelect

## Showing most helpful reviews

Showing 101-125 of 227 Reviews

Sort by:

Most Helpful

Rating

Company Size

Reviewer's Role

Length of Use

Frequency of Use

AH

Angela H.  
Scholarship Program Associate  
Philanthropy  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "One of the best decisions our Scholarship Program ever made! "

November 16, 2017

5.0

Pros

Efficient, can be accessed from anywhere. The SmarterSelect online platform has made the work of scholarships far less cumbersome. I am able to streamline the process and app rules and matching has enhanced our ability to assist applicants and make their process easier.

Cons

I honestly cannot think of anything I don't like other than as features have been added I need more time to catch up. However, they offer frequent online training and that helps a great deal. I hear from IPAD users that on occasion scoring doesn't show up later.

Review Source

CF

Clifford F.  
Professor  
Higher Education  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "User"

September 6, 2022

4.0

It has been a great time saver for our scholarship processes from beginning to end.

Pros

The ease of use in both development and operating the system. Makes it much easier for the students to use than other systems considered

Cons

I cannot say anything that does not work for us, which is why I selected you in the first place.

Reason for choosing SmarterSelect

It provided allowed us to customize the functions directly to our needs.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Executive Director  
Education Management  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "SmarterSelect Makes our Grant/Scholarship Application Process a Dream"

November 2, 2018

5.0

Overall, we are very pleased with the software and will continue using it. It has truly streamlined our process for our applicants, staff and evaluators.

Pros

Flexibility of questions/boxes Ability to hide applicant names from evaluators Ease of use - online based

Cons

Overall it's great! Would like an ability to have our principals rank them without being evaluators.

Review Source

JB

Jennifer B.  
Director of Awards and Grants  
Education Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Extensive use has been a success for our Society's programs"

June 30, 2016

4.0

I have had a great experience going on 6 years now with Smarter Select. Someone is always available to answer my questions or help me with a problem. They would walk me through step by step if I needed it.

Pros

I like that I can build my own applications or start with an application someone else has already added to the library.

Cons

If only they would manage my programs for me!

Review Source

JW

Jen W.  
Assoc. Director of Education and Leadership Initiatives  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "SmarterSelect has been a good solution for us!"

November 9, 2018

4.0

Pros

The customer service has been top-notch! My questions are always answers promptly and thoroughly. If an answer isn't known immediately, the team works to recreate my issue and figure out a solution.

Cons

Sometimes the form building is not the most intuitive - I would love to see that be a little more user friendly.

Review Source

PR

Patricia R.  
Admissions Director  
  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "SmarterSelect is super easy to follow and it gives you plenty of different options."

November 16, 2017

4.0

Pros

I really enjoy the variety of options they have in terms of filling out an application, creating a survey, or even submitting an essay. There's all sorts of ways to create documents and make them user friendly for my students. The tracking system is great! They email you results and make it easier for you to gather information.

Cons

I would like if they included a back and forth on the pages. Easier to back out of certain parts of the creation of a document. I've had an issue with the reminder emails being sent directly to the spam folder but this may just be for our company.

Review Source

Response from SmarterSelect

November 17, 2017

Hi Patricia, Many thanks for your review! I'll have our Support team reach out regarding your questions on back and forth. Thanks, Robert

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Member Engagement Coordinator  
Accounting  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "Great software"

November 13, 2018

4.0

We have streamlined our scholarship application using SmarterSelect. Having all nomination forms and applications on one platform makes for easy use and consistency.

Pros

Ability to copy previously used applications and the fast customer service

Cons

A few functions we would like to have are not present: changing "apply" button to "nominate" for nominations and seeing the nominee name as opposed to the nominator name.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Payroll Specialist  
  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "It is a great system! I love the customer service!"

November 16, 2017

5.0

For our Leadership Development Consultants to apply for the program.

Pros

I absoluetly love how the customer support team will reach back out to you so quickly. Since I am so new to the program it makes it easier when I have questions.

Cons

When I need to edit different parts of the application sometimes it doesn't do what I need it too. I have needed Smarter Select's help with several edits.

Review Source

GG

Genessis G.  
Marketing Coordinator  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Review"

September 12, 2022

4.0

Pros

Ease of use when logging in to make an application.

Cons

Being an evaluator isn't as intuitive when viewing and printing the documents.

Review Source

MW

Mariann W.  
Director of Development  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "SmarterSelect saves us time and money."

August 29, 2016

5.0

Our experience with SmarterSelect has been terrific from day 1, back in 2011. The customer service is above average, the FAQs are spot on, and the weekly calls are an added bonus. Our evaluators find it easy to use and our applicants have grown significantly.

Pros

The ease of use and the continual upgrades to improve it on a regular basis.

Cons

I'd love to see improvements in the user interface to keep scrolling to a minimum - for example the ability to use tables. Also, the ability for evaluators to download data would be helpful.

Review Source

JC

Josh C.  
  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Excellent online solution with fantastic customer service (and a very reasonable price!)"

August 29, 2016

5.0

We have been using SmarterSelect for the past 4 years to administer our Foundation's scholarship program. Recently, we also started using it for our grants, demonstrating its flexibility.

Pros

This is an accessible, flexible, reasonably-priced system. Some other products may have more bells and whistles, but often cost far more. Additionally, this company has provided excellent customer support since the beginning, and has promptly addressed any questions or issues we've run into. The overall experience has been very positive for staff, applicants, and reviewers.

Cons

Sometimes the online interface can be a bit slow or unresponsive, and isn't always intuitive.

Review Source

GS

Gabby S.  
Volunteer Relations Coordinator  
Hospital & Health Care  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "SmarterSelect is a great tool to utilitize with any company! "

September 9, 2020

5.0

Overall we love using this software. It has made it so easy for us to send out surveys and applications to our nurses.

Pros

SmarterSelect made it easy for us to make applications for different volunteer groups that we have. It is so easy to put the information into SmarterSelect and create applications and surveys, and send those out to our nurses.

Cons

I thought about this question for a while and truly cannot think of anything that I would say negatively about this program. We haven’t run into any issues using this software. It is easy to use and very functional.

Alternatives considered

[OpenWater](https://www.capterra.com/p/140294/OpenWater-Awards/)

Review Source

MJ

Maycee J.  
DCD  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "User-friendly and Easy to Edit"

September 12, 2022

5.0

Pros

I really enjoy the reporting data- who has started, in process, and completed the form. The data points have been very useful. It is also easy to edit and update depending on the need.

Cons

I wish it was easier to open attachments within the portal and/or download multiple attachments versus having to open and view them for every single entry.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Trustee  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Excellent for the price!"

April 5, 2021

5.0

We will be using the application for the first time this year and look forward to seeing an increase in responses. The application will go online within a week and it has been a positive experience in setting it up.

Pros

I like that I was able to set up our application myself. The videos were very helpful and enabled me to take our printed application and set it up online. It allows me to learn the software myself and its inner workings. This lets me train our users and evaluators in a way that is specific to our application and needs.

Cons

The main difficulty lies in the training aspect. There are 4 levels of the software but it is difficult to determine during the training videos, which levels allow the benefit explained.

Review Source

KT

Kristyn T.  
Director of Lifetime Engagement  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "I have had great success with the capabilities of the platform and have received positive feedback."

December 4, 2017

4.0

Ease of use Provides the exact services and functions for desired outcomes Autoscoring Can be used for a variety of applications including scholarships, awards and volunteer position applications.

Pros

I like the ease of it' the software is very intuitive and simple to not only set up on the administrative side but also easy to use as the individual who is completing the application form. I also love the ability to auto score evaluations.

Cons

I would like to see the log in reset be a bit more simplified. I have had some issues with resetting my password, which was resolved through customer support, but I wish it was simpler to reset.

Review Source

AV

Amy V.  
Program and Office Manager  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Great software! Complex system yet relatively easy to use."

November 16, 2017

5.0

We use this software to manage our grant and scholarship awards. It has increased the efficiency of our process.

Pros

It is a relatively complex yet easy to learn program. You do not need to be a computer wizard to run this program.

Cons

I really do not like that they don't offer a customer support phone number. I can't just pick up the phone for a quick question. I have to send an email and wait for a response. I also really do not like the fact that we are unable to delete any applications, even test applications.

Review Source

Response from SmarterSelect

November 17, 2017

Hi Amy, Thanks for your review! I'll have our Support team reach out with info on how to delete apps. Thanks, Robert

BS

Barbara S.  
Accounting Administrator  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for:

### "Make your scholarship season easier"

August 29, 2016

5.0

We have been using SmarterSelect for several years. It has significantly reduced time and paper consumption. Students and parents when asked about the usage of our application are very pleased. Guidance departments are also happy with feedback on our application for local students. We are a Community Foundation with approximately 55 different scholarships. They have many different criteria and school districts involved. We have two distinct rounds, based on date. We use the software a little different than other clients of SmarterSelect. We want all our applications within one form for the students convenience. We also export and upload our finished applications in a different way for the evaluators than most clients of SmarterSelect. Customer service has been amazing! They are always ready to help and find solutions to our complicated application.

Pros

The sorting, reporting, and exporting make the application grouping to committees very efficient.

Cons

Because of our insistence to use only one application, The app rules on our application become very complex. This is not a mark against SmarterSelect, however it requires more use of SmarterSelect's customer services resources. Wish it would be easier for us to adjust on our own without requesting assistance.

Review Source

PP

Pat P.  
Office Manager  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "UNICO National Scholarship Program"

November 2, 2018

4.0

Smarter Select has been very helpful in the process and were always there to answer questions. Our overall experience was positive and we look forward to our continued partnership.

Pros

It allowed a small office to organize and track scholarship applicants by being paperless and to have the whole process done online. Allowed us to take in more applicants.

Cons

Sometimes the schools did not receive recommendation requests because of firewall issues. Students also started more than one application. Getting started was not an easy process uploading from a paper application to online.

Review Source

DH

Dionysius H.  
Managing Director  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Dionysius Hall Review CUL "

September 15, 2022

5.0

We use SmarterSelect for our scholarship application and grading process. I think overall it is a good product, I just am not sure that its worth the money.

Pros

I like the ease of finding an applicant.

Cons

I wish there was a way that I could make adjustments to the application once it has gone live. If there is a way, I don't know how to do it.

Review Source

KD

Kimberly D.  
Chief Research & Innovation Officer  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "An Administrative view from 30K feet"

September 15, 2022

4.0

Generally positive.

Pros

Flexibility for different uses. I don't have anything else to say.

Cons

We need the capability to partition programs among users in order to protect confidentiality.

Reason for choosing SmarterSelect

We are considering options now and know we will be with your for the next year, but may not be after that.

Review Source

SS

Stacie S.  
Admin  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Easy to Use"

November 7, 2018

5.0

For the most part it works well.

Pros

This software keeps everything in perfect order and ease of use can't be beat

Cons

Our software sometimes has issues with csv file imports from Smarter Select.

Review Source

VR

Verified Reviewer  
Director of Mentoring and Career Development  
Higher Education  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Smarter Select has been very easy to use and has served our students well."

November 16, 2017

5.0

Pros

Ease of use--both for our staff and for our clients--is the most important feature of all. Being able to sync with our CRM system is an added bonus.

Cons

Sometimes it's a little harder to get something done than we might wish. We'd love to be able to do more customization of look and feel.

Review Source

Response from SmarterSelect

November 17, 2017

HI, Many thanks for your review! Stay tuned in 2018 for info about customizing the look and feel! Robert

ELF

Eryn Lynn F.  
Donor Relations Coordinator  
Non-Profit Organization Management  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Efficiency"

September 6, 2022

4.0

I think that SmarterSelect helps us to work faster and smarter with our grant applications. No more paper!

Pros

I like the fact that all the information is in one place and we're not having to search different places for information. I like that applicants can upload additional documentation, if needed. It's a much more efficient process now.

Cons

Small con: I wish that when the button to disable an application is selected that the "active" button would uncheck.

Review Source

KM

Katie M.  
Manager of Educational Programs  
Education Management  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "Definitely saves me time"

November 2, 2018

4.0

It is very useful to be able to have all my applications in one place and to be able to extract data as I need it. I also like the fact that the system keeps all of my old applications and applicants in case I need to refer to them.

Pros

\-Receptive to feedback -Fairly user friendly

Cons

\-Applicants have to sign in in order to complete apps. Sometimes, I don't have a need for someone to sign in and would like to have the option to turn that off. -Sometimes have issues with App Rules and Common Applications

Review Source

Response from SmarterSelect

November 15, 2018

Hi Katie, Many thanks for your review! You can turn off the sign in option on the Program page by selecting Survey. Thanks, Robert

CP

Caroline P.  
Communications and Program Manager  
  
Used the software for: 6-12 months

### "SmarterSelect largely meets our needs for our online scholarship application process."

November 20, 2017

4.0

Pros

It is very intuitive and user-friendly on the user (applicant/evaluator) end. Our applicants and evaluators did not report many issues (aside from some log in problems).

Cons

Reporting functionality seems fairly limited. I was unable to run a number of reports that would have been helpful - e.g., record of emails sent via "messages" feature and/or who received a broadcast message, current evaluator review status, etc. I also found it was not always intuitive/easy to use as an admin. There were a number of actions I wanted to take with no clear process/implementation tactic on the admin side; luckily, Support was able to come up with a workable (if somewhat convoluted) solution on the back end each time (props to Support for being very helpful).

Review Source

Response from SmarterSelect

November 21, 2017

Hi Caroline, Many thanks for your review! I'll have the Support team reach out to you regarding our new Messages Log feature that was announced a few months ago. Regards, Robert

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