Did you know that more than $6 billion in scholarships go unclaimed each year? It’s true! That’s a lot of money that could be used to help students pay for college, but it’s all going unused. The reason? Most students don’t even know where to look for scholarship opportunities!
That’s why we’ve pulled together this ultimate list of articles on scholarships. Whatever type of scholarship you’re looking for—from athletic or artistic to academic or service-oriented—this list has you covered. We’ve done all the hard work for you, so you can find the right fit faster and start applying sooner. So let’s get started!
Popular Scholarship Strategies
Are you looking for scholarships? You’ve come to the right place! With the right preparation and a little extra effort, you’ll be able to find and win scholarships that are the perfect fit.
If you’re like many scholarship applicants, you’ll likely use a few popular strategies to maximize your chances of success. Here are three of the most effective approaches:
- Research wide and deep: Spend time exploring all possible scholarship sources, including local and national organizations, as well as online directories.
- Create a personalized application plan: Put together an organized application plan that accounts for deadlines and required documents. This can help save time and effort in the long run.
- Prioritize smaller awards: Don’t overlook small scholarships – they can add up quickly! Look for regional or local awards that may be easier to win and often valuable on their own.
By taking advantage of these strategies, you’ll be able to make your scholarship search easier and increase your chances of success!
How to Find Local Scholarships
The local scholarships are lesser known, and can often be more rewarding than nationally-recognized ones. Many of these scholarships are for special talents and interests, so you’ll want to look for those that fit yours.
Luckily, most local scholarships can be found in the same place—the internet! Put in the effort to research opportunities out there, and you may be rewarded with scholarships that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Where should you start? Your first stop should be your high school’s website and/or guidance office. Ask your guidance counsellor what opportunities are available in your area or region. If they don’t have the answers, they’ll likely be able to point you in the right direction.
Another great place to search is local businesses and organizations that may be offering scholarship opportunities. You can often find this information in traditional media like newspapers, but also online by searching through social media or websites related to that organization.
Finally, don’t forget about groups like religious organizations and clubs—these may also offer scholarships that you wouldn’t necessarily find elsewhere. Whenever possible, research as many options as possible, because even small scholarship awards can make all the difference when it comes to college costs!
National Scholarships: What to Look For
You might already know that there are tons of scholarship opportunities out there—but did you know that you can narrow down your search by looking at national scholarships?
When seeking national scholarships, here are some considerations you should take into account:
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria are the number one factor when it comes to deciding on which scholarships to apply for. Are you an undergraduate student? A graduate? An international student? Make sure to read up on a scholarship’s eligibility requirements first in order to figure out if it applies to you.
Deadline date
Deadline dates typically play a role in the overall decision-making process as well. After all, no matter how attractive the award might be, if it’s too late for you to apply for it anyway, then it’s completely off-limits! Besides, getting your applications in early also demonstrates good organization and consideration skills.
Reputation and authenticity
We’ve all heard of those pesky scammy “scholarships” out there—but don’t let that deter you from exploring genuine opportunities! Look up reviews from current and past recipients, and check out the scholarship provider’s website for more information before applying. This way, you can be sure that the opportunity is legitimate and worth your time.
How to Apply for College Scholarships
It’s time to look for scholarships and start applying — but how do you go about doing that? It can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help get you started.
Start early
Don’t wait until the last minute when searching, researching and applying for scholarships. You never know how long an application may take, and you don’t want to miss a deadline! It’s best to plan ahead and start looking at least one year in advance of when you plan to attend college.
Stay organized
From tracking applications to deadlines and requirements, it’s important to stay organized during the scholarship process. With so much paperwork, it can be difficult at times — so create a system that works for you and stick with it!
Use resources
The internet is a great resource for scholarship searches. Look on the web from sites like Scholarships.com or Fastweb. Also, check with your school counsellor or college financial aid office and private organizations in your area or field of interest.
Don’t overlook small awards
Keep in mind that scholarships come in all sizes — $1,000 awards are relatively common. All money counts when planning for college, and applying for these larger numbers of small awards may add up quickly compared with putting all your eggs in one basket by just applying for one large award!
Tips for Winning a Scholarship
Just because you see a scholarship that you’re interested in doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to get it. Here are a few tips to help you win that awesome scholarship:
Start early
Scholarships are competitive, so the earlier you start the better. Make sure to start researching, planning and applying for scholarships as soon as possible. This will give you a leg up on the competition and increase your chances of winning.
Take the application process seriously
Think of your scholarship application as if it were an important job interview. Put your best foot forward and make sure that all deadlines are met—this includes budgeting for transcript fees, submitting applications on time, filing essays correctly and providing all requested documentation.
Show off your achievements
Make sure to highlight any awards or achievements you’ve earned that are related to the scholarship criteria in order to make yourself stand out from other applications. If there is an opportunity to include extra documents like letters of recommendation or writing samples, it could show the review committee how serious you are about the application process.
You know what they say — prepare early and prepare well! Applying for scholarships isn’t something to take lightly—you have to do research, and make sure everything is neat, organized and accurate so that you can make your application stand out from others. Good luck!
Where to Find Scholarships Specifically for You
You might be surprised to discover that there are dozens of resources for scholarships out there—some of which you won’t find on a general list. To get the most specialized version, you have to do your homework.
But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are a few great places to look:
Professional and community organizations
From the Elks Club to the Rotary Club, many professional and community organizations offer scholarships through their local chapters. Check out your local office of each organization—or even contact them directly—to see if they’re offering any at the moment.
Employer programs
Some employers offer college tuition assistance for academics or for job training and degrees that develop skills for use in the workplace. If you’re employed full-time or part-time, ask your employer about any tuition assistance programs they may have!
College-specific scholarships
Many colleges also offer various merit scholarships and awards, so make sure to research what’s available at the schools you’re interested in attending! Even if you haven’t applied yet, it could be worth reaching out to their financial aid offices to inquire about what types of grants and awards they have available.
Conclusion
Ultimately, scholarships can help you achieve the long-term educational and career goals you’re dreaming of. Taking the time to research your options and apply for scholarships can be a daunting, but worthwhile task. As you search for the right scholarships, you’ll need to consider the type of scholarships available, as well as the individual eligibility requirements for each.
From college scholarships to grants and internships, the scholarship list laid out in this article can help you find the right fit for your goals. Each award is unique and provides its own opportunities. By familiarizing yourself with the available scholarships and their details, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your future.