Scholarships
Scholarships are offered by many organizations and can be based on any number of criteria that is defined by the organization funding the scholarship. For example, there are scholarships for academic performance, financial need, religious affiliation, minority status, heritage, community affiliations and a many other unique criteria.
Scholarships are as varied as the applicant and the provider, so don’t assume that scholarships are only for academic performance or you will miss many scholarship opportunities. Search for available scholarships on the Internet but also visit with your high school counselor and college financial aid office. New scholarships are always becoming available. Consult your local library for scholarship resources and visit with local civic and community organizations.
Note: Not all scholarships are available to just high school seniors. Some scholarships can be applied for early and some are specifically designed for high school sophomores and juniors. Likewise, once you are on campus and enrolled, additional scholarships may become available to you throughout your sophomore, junior, senior years. Keep checking to see what is available.
Application Process
Each scholarship application is unique so pay careful attention to the instructions and check the deadlines. Almost all scholarship applications require a school official’s signature and transcripts. Don’t miss a deadline because you wait too long to get the required signatures and paperwork from your high school. Sometimes, transcript requests can take up to 10 days!
Selection Process
Organizations may select their own recipient or ask the school’s committee to select the final recipient/nominees.
Scholarship Searches
You do not need to pay anyone to search for scholarships! There are numerous sources through your high school, college financial aid offices, local libraries and the Internet. Here are just a few:
- Department of Education
- Nat’l Assn. Of Student Financial Aid
- The College Board
- Scholarship Help
- Princeton Review
- Scholarships for students with disabilities
Scholarship Tips
- Read the instructions carefully. Highlight specific requirements and deadlines. Then plan accordingly. (Remember to request transcripts, signatures and letters of recommendation early.)
- Check the minimum requirements of the scholarship. If you don’t meet them, don’t waste your time. Look for a different scholarship.
- Double check your application. Proofread everything to check for grammar and spelling errors and typos. Make sure it is complete.
- Proofread your essay, check the word limit and edit it. It helps to have someone else read what you have written.
- Use a typewriter if possible to complete the application. If you hand write the application, use black or blue ink and make sure it is legible.
- Add personal letters of recommendation to the application. Ask your teachers and community people to write these letters (early). Give them a copy of your activities or resume to help them write a recommendation reflecting your activities.
- Choose your references based on the scholarship. For example ask teachers for reference letters for academic scholarships and pastors or community leaders to write reference letters for other scholarships.