Higher education is said to open many doors, but higher costs are turning out to be the biggest entry barriers for so many. As a critical solution, scholarships come in as money that one need not repay. In this comprehensive guide, explain the types of scholarships one can avail where options are available and a few tips on how to apply successfully.
Types of Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarships
Academic scholarships are given to those whose achievements in academics stand above the rest. These can include GPA, standardized test scores, or other academic criteria one may have.
Artistic scholarships: These are for those who excel in the realm of the arts: music, theater, visual arts, and more.
Athletic scholarships: These are given for students to have extraordinary ability on the playing field. This is pretty standard in colleges and universities that have very successful sports programs.
Need-based scholarships
Merit-based scholarships are targeted to fund your education based on financial need. They often require the submission of financial documents to substantiate need.
Demographic Scholarships
Minority Scholarships: Those that target students from underrepresented ethnic/racial groups
Gender-Based Scholarships: Those that target women or men majoring in areas where they are underrepresented
First-Generation Scholarships: Those whose parents have never attended college
Field of Study Scholarships
These would include major-based or career-based scholarships: engineering, nursing, education, and many others.
Community Service Scholarship
Those that would reward students in making positive impacts in their communities through volunteer work or other service contributions
Unusual Scholarship
The ones that might use special characteristics to award scholarships -height, hobby-related activities, and even left-handedness
Where to Find Scholarships
Finding scholarships could be a chore; however, below are several resources to assist in finding scholarships:
Online Scholarship Databases: Websites such as Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and Cappex compile thousands of scholarships and make those available for searching based on various criteria.
College Financial Aid Offices: Most colleges and universities maintain financial aid offices to disseminate information about the availability of different scholarships.
Professional Organizations: Many industry groups provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in their fields. For example, the American Medical Association offers scholarships for medical students.
Local Community Resources: The various businesses, civic groups, and religious organizations offer scholarships to students in their communities.
Employers: Some employers grant scholarships to their employees or their employee’s children.
Application Tips
Start Early
The earlier you begin to search for a scholarship and apply, the better. Many scholarships have early deadlines; therefore, an early start will provide time to apply to more than one scholarship.
Stay Organized
Record the deadlines, requirements and application materials for each scholarship. Consider a spreadsheet or an application logbook. Whether it is your first or your tenth scholarship application, tailor your applications to the target scholarship. Write essays and create application materials that are directly related to the specific scholarship and focus on how your accomplishments, experiences and career goals correspond to the scholarship. Bring Your Strengths to the Forefront
Focus on your unique strengths and experiences. Whether academic achievement, leadership, or community service, make sure that you highlight what will make you an excellent candidate.
Seek Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are weighted seriously in the selection process. Be sure to select recommenders who know you well and who can speak to your strengths and potential.
Proofread and Edit
Make your application materials error-free. Proofread your essays, then have someone else proofread your essays.
Do as You’re Told
Read carefully all the application instructions and adhere to them. Forgetting to attach a document considered as required or failing to follow guidelines may make your application invalid.
Conclusion
Scholarships are strong in helping one reach his or her aspirations without carrying the burden of debt. Knowing what type of scholarship you should apply for, where to look for it, and applying strategically will increase your chances. Early starters will have time to organize and perfect their applications. Only through persistence and effort will you be able to secure the opportunities available through scholarships.
