Step 1: Be efficient at what you study, so you have free time to do other things. In my case, I really enjoy the topics I study so learning goes easy. Step 2: Chase extracurriculars and connections in that free time. In my case, Honours College (which got me the cool trip to HK and Berlin), committees. Offering to help profs out. Get to know people through chasing cool stuff that requires some work. 95% of the people just aren't willing to put effort in, and most of the stuff you can do alongside regular studies are a) worth it, b) gets you to meet people and c) is fun most of the time. Step 3: Use these connections / events as reasons why organizations should give you money. It looks really good if your application has 2 recommendations from professors attached. Got €1600 that way for going to Canada. Step 4: Profi- eh, break even. :)