What is a Scholarship?
Scholarships are awards given to finance education. It can pay for tuition, fees, books — even living expenses. These scholarships require an application and are given for academic merit, athletic ability, financial need and special talents or interests.
Types of Scholarships
There are many types of scholarship programs with distinct eligibility criteria:
1) Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are given to students with high academic achievement (or other exceptional talent in a specific area, such as music, art or science).
Need-Based Scholarships: These are handed to students that have shown some financial need.
Athletic scholarships are provided for student-athletes involved in college sports.
Targeted Scholarships: Scholarships for students with specific characteristics such as minority students, first-generation college students or those from certain geographic areas.
How to Find Scholarships
Searching for scholarships is a monumental task, and during this process many of you would have found different ways and tips to speed up the same. As you look to find one, here are some pointers to assist you:
Your home High School: The counselors/teachers provide information on scholarships and the deadline of scholarship applications.
Colleges and Universities: Check individualized school financial aid offices They usually keep details or list of individual scholarships which are offered to their students.
Scholarship Search Engines: Sites such as Fastweb, Scholarships. Chegg, CollegeBoard.
Professional Associations: If you are in a specific field, look for professional associations that may have scholarships available to association members.
Community Groups: Many local organizations, including Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs and the American Legion offer scholarships to students in their area.
Advice and Guidance for Scholarship Applications
Time is maybe one of the most critical factors when it comes to getting a scholarship, so start early and don’t reconsider how long before the scholarships deadline you should be searching for them.
Tip 03: Read everything carefully Make sure you read through the needs of every single scholarship and the deadlines and apply in time.
Make your applications personal: Write unique essays for each individual scholarship.
Don 2: Write error-free applications Read two
Help Yourself — Reach out to your parents, teachers or counselors.
If you understand the different types of scholarships and implement these tips, you will be on your way to landing some financial aid and reaching more academic goals.
Do you want to learn more about one specific type of scholarship or the process in general?