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Search for Scholarships
Scholarships are an attractive way to pay for college, because the money you receive does not have to be repaid as long as it is used to pay for your education. Scholarships are offered by many organizations including individuals, businesses, non-profits, schools and governments. They can be awarded based on academic performance, financial need, religious affiliation, minority status, heritage, community affiliations, or a unique set of criteria that's important to the organization providing funds. Here are a few examples:
» Your high school or prospective college may award scholarships based on academic performance.» Ethnic organizations often provide scholarships to outstanding students sharing their respective ethnic backgrounds.» Employers offer scholarships to their employees and to children of their employees.» Churches, Synagogues, Temples and religious denominations offer scholarships for students planning a career in the clergy.» Trade and research organizations sponsor scholarships to attract students to a field of study facing a worker shortage, or to encourage non-traditional or minority students to work toward a specific degree.
When searching for scholarships, contact local groups, clubs, businesses, churches, and organizations. Usually, these types of scholarships are not widely publicized—fewer applicants and higher odds of winning. Don’t forget to ask your local high school counselor, access advisor, librarian and college financial aid office for direction as these people work with scholarship providers and those seeking them every day.
As you make the rounds seeking local scholarship opportunities, search our free online scholarship search database that houses information on 2.4 million national scholarships. The search engine will identify potential scholarships you can apply for.
When you identify scholarships that you may qualify to receive, note the application due dates in your planner and begin to complete the applications. Many scholarship applications require an essay and letters of recommendation. Read the requirements carefully and tailor both your essay and the recommendation letters to the scholarship provider.
After you are notified of your eligibility to receive a scholarship, forward copies of all the documentation you receive to the college you are attending. Again, make note of any deadlines to provide additional information to the scholarship provider.
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