Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships
Scholarships are by far your best choice for financial aid because they do not need to be repaid. Scholarships are available through many different organizations, foundations and corporations. Scholarships are awarded based on a myriad of criteria ranging from scholastics to financial need and everything in between including arts, athletics, community service and so on. You should exhaust all possibilities and maximize the amount of aid that you can receive through scholarships. No two scholarships are necessarily alike and you should never assume that you are not eligible for funds. Be sure to check the requirements closely and apply for any scholarships for which you may be eligible.
Where can you find scholarships?
There are many places that scholarships can be available. You may begin by checking with organizations that are related to your area of study, additionally you may want to check with your parent's employers. If you are employed, then it’s a good idea to check with your own employer as well. You may also want to ask local community groups, as well as your guidance counselor and/or the financial aid office at the school that you will be attending for scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship tips and tricks
Scholarships are awarded by a group of judges that must review each application and ultimately choose which student is the most deserving candidate. Given the high volume of applicants for scholarships, judges don’t often get to spend the kind of quality time they would otherwise with each and every application. As such, you must make your limited exposure to the judges count. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you make a lasting impression.
- First and foremost, follow the directions closely. Each scholarship application may ask for something different. Be sure you are providing them with everything they’ve asked for as thoroughly as possible.
- It’s okay to be your own number one fan. The scholarship application is your opportunity to let the judges get a sense of who you are and what you're about. It’s okay to project yourself in a positive light and speak about your accomplishments.
- Aside from just listing your accomplishments, you should think about how the things you have done relate to the specific purpose of the scholarship. The judges will be looking for specific criteria that relate to the goal of the scholarship (and every scholarship is different) so be mindful of that fact. Express to the judges that you are the right person to receive the scholarship.
- Make sure that you get someone to edit and proofread your essay. Ask a trusted friend, family member or perhaps a teacher to go over your essay and provide you feedback. Be sure to have at least another person proofread your essay for mistakes. It’s always a good idea to get a second set of eyes on your work to verify there are no grammatical or spelling errors.
- As part of the application process, you may be interviewed by the judges. It’s a good idea to prepare for this by practicing with a friend of family member. This way you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed when positioned in front of the real judges.
- Finally, spend some time on your application. Don’t wait until the last minute to work on your essay and application. When you rush, mistakes can be made that may count against you. Allow yourself the time it takes to do a thorough job and put your best foot forward.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants are free money for your education, as you do not need to repay them. Grants are available through the Federal Government, state governments, schools and private organizations.
In order to qualify for grants you should submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as promptly as possible. FAFSAs may be submitted after January 1st for the upcoming school year. Federal funds are limited, so it is important to get your FAFSA in as soon as possible as funds are given out to eligible students on a first come, first served basis. Remember you must submit a FAFSA to be considered for grants, federal student loans and work-study.
