Whether heading to community college, a four-year university, or graduate school, one of the best things you can do is take advantage of the numerous scholarship opportunities that are likely available to you. Why? Well, scholarships are gifts that do not need to be repaid.
This article will explain everything you need to know about getting college scholarships.
What scholarships are available to you?
Many different types of scholarships are available to college and graduate students. Some scholarships are merit-based, meaning you earn them by meeting or exceeding specific standards set by the scholarship-giver. These types of scholarships are typically awarded for academic achievements or a combination of academic and special talents, traits, or interests. Other scholarships may be based on financial need.
In addition, other scholarships are geared toward specific groups of people, such as women or graduate students. Additional scholarships may be available based on where you or your parent work or if you come from a specific background (i.e., a military family).
A scholarship may help pay for part or all of your tuition. They can either be given to you each semester or school year or just a one-time award. No matter the case, it’s always worth applying for because it’ll help reduce the cost of your education.
How do I find scholarships?
There are several ways you can learn about scholarships, including contacting the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, checking the information in a public library or online, and speaking with different organizations.
However, while you are looking for scholarships, it’s important that you’re careful. Make sure that the scholarship is legitimate. And always remember that you don’t have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid.
Consider trying these free information sources to learn more about scholarship opportunities:
- The financial aid office at a college
- A high school counselor
- The U.S. Department of Labor
- Federal agencies
- Your state grant agency
- Your library
- Foundations, religious or community organizations, or civic groups
- Ethnicity-based organizations
- Your or your parent’s employer
When to apply for scholarships
The answer is that it depends on each scholarship’s deadline. Some deadlines can be as early as a year before college starts, while others may be on a rotating basis. You should be researching and applying for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior years. And if you’ve missed that time window, continue to look for scholarships that you can still apply to.
How to apply for scholarships
There is no one way to apply for a scholarship, as each has its own set of requirements. The scholarship’s website should provide you with all the information you need to find out who qualifies and how to apply. Be sure to read the application carefully and fill it out completely before the application deadline.
Educational Attainment Services works with students bound for higher education to help them get college scholarships.
We are a college consulting service that provides ethically priced services to help families from all backgrounds achieve their college dreams. We help students apply for college, get into their top choices, and get through higher education without going broke. Our consultants bring decades of experience from both sides of the admission process, providing invaluable insight to clients from the perspective of admissions counselors. Instead of facing college
applications alone, get expert guidance to navigate applications, interviews, and essay.
Maximize your potential and the funding you get by working with Educational Attainment Services to get college scholarships.
