Why should I apply? College can be pricy. Scholarships are free money. What isn’t there to love?
Where can I find scholarships? This website has an area with links to scholarship databases. You will also find a list of upcoming scholarships. The ones listed are not the only ones that exist, google is your new bestie!
What do I need to do? Some scholarships will ask you to write an essay or short response. The typical question involves where you see yourself in five years, talent or skill, favorite subject, your major, life, ! They may also ask about your extracurriculars, service, etc. Sounds like your common app and personal insight questions? Feel free to copy and paste. It is not plagiarism!
Which ones should I apply to? Apply to as many as possible. The more the merrier! I do recommend starting with local ones (your city, county, etc) The more local, the higher your probability.
Should I only apply to scholarships giving out large sums of money? Apply to scholarships giving out large amounts but also apply to small scholarships. ($100,etc). Money is money!
Is there something I should avoid? Be cautious. You should never have to pay any money. Some may ask for your social security number and income.
What is the difference between a need based, lottery and a merit based scholarships? Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit. Merit means having academic excellence, participation in extracurriculars, community service etc. Students with these qualifications have the best chance at receiving one of these rewards. Lottery scholarships, on the other hand, are chosen at random, meaning every student who applies has an equal chance of winning. Need based are based on your income and your financial need.
What are my chances of receiving a scholarship? This depends largely upon the scholarship, how well you meet qualifications and the level of effort that you exert in your search. Typically, if you can find scholarships that are limited to students within a state, city, sport or academic area, you have a better chance of winning. The more applicants there are for a particular offer, the less chance you have of winning. Choose scholarships that give you an opportunity to exercise your skills in an area of interest to you —this should increase your chance of winning.
How will the money come in? Most scholarship monies will be sent to your university and deducted from tuition. On occasion, the scholarship committee will send you a check to utilize to pay college books, expenses, etc.
If the required G.P.A. is 3.8 and I have a 3.7, should I still apply? No. If you don't meet the criteria exactly you shouldn't apply. Scholarship offers typically receive many applications. Anyone who doesn't meet the requirements is typically disqualified.
I heard there are interviews. Is that true? On occasion, the scholarship will require you to be interviewed. Don’t worry. They will ask about your goals, achievements, and plans after high school. Bring your portfolio and dress to impress.
