Finding scholarships for college is a subject that seems to be high on the list when it comes to college planning. Most families know that in order to pay for college, they are going to need a combination of financial aid, work-study, and scholarships. Too many families believe that college scholarships are only for students with outstanding grades and test scores, or those who are talented athletes or musicians. You may think you are just an ordinary student, but chances are there are some scholarships that could be a good fit for you.
College scholarships are basically free college money. It takes time to find them, do the essays that may be required, assemble the necessary documents, and meet the deadlines, but it is worth the effort. If may not be a large amount of money, but $500 can help pay for books or other expenses.
1. START WITH THE COLLEGES TO WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING
Contact the financial aid office at the colleges you hope to attend to see what scholarships are available. Some schools automatically consider you for a scholarship once you have applied. Others have a list of scholarships for which you can apply that can be used toward your college tuition. Many of these scholarships are merit based, but there are also some for leadership and community service.
Contact the financial aid office at the colleges you hope to attend to see what scholarships are available. Some schools automatically consider you for a scholarship once you have applied. Others have a list of scholarships for which you can apply that can be used toward your college tuition. Many of these scholarships are merit based, but there are also some for leadership and community service.
2. GO INTO YOUR HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
Every high school should have a list of scholarships available to students who are graduating and going onto college. Sometimes this list is posted on their website. Check through the list and see whether you meet any of the eligibility requirements. Also pay attention to what is required and when the deadlines are. Check to see whether clubs you belong to in high school like FBLA or DECA offer awards. Some scholarships may require a teacher recommendation and others may need someone, like your principal, to recommend you.
Every high school should have a list of scholarships available to students who are graduating and going onto college. Sometimes this list is posted on their website. Check through the list and see whether you meet any of the eligibility requirements. Also pay attention to what is required and when the deadlines are. Check to see whether clubs you belong to in high school like FBLA or DECA offer awards. Some scholarships may require a teacher recommendation and others may need someone, like your principal, to recommend you.
3. SIGN UP FOR SOME SCHOLARSHIPS SEARCHES
There are some good scholarship searches on the internet that are worth signing up for. They are reliable and will provide the names of scholarships that could apply to you. Usually, you will need to fill out information about your academics, interests, career plans, talents, and anything that makes you unique as a college applicant. A few searches that I recommend are: Fast web, Broke Scholar, and Scholarships 360. Don't be lured in by a scholarship scam.
There are some good scholarship searches on the internet that are worth signing up for. They are reliable and will provide the names of scholarships that could apply to you. Usually, you will need to fill out information about your academics, interests, career plans, talents, and anything that makes you unique as a college applicant. A few searches that I recommend are: Fast web, Broke Scholar, and Scholarships 360. Don't be lured in by a scholarship scam.
4. CONSIDER BUSINESSES AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
Do you have a parent who works for an employer who provides college scholarships? For example, any student who is a dependent of an agent, associate, or retiree of one insurance company may quality to receive an award ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. Are you a member or do you know of a member of the local Rotary Club, Elks, Kiwanis or other civic organizations? Do you have a religious affiliation that could provide some help?
Do you have a parent who works for an employer who provides college scholarships? For example, any student who is a dependent of an agent, associate, or retiree of one insurance company may quality to receive an award ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. Are you a member or do you know of a member of the local Rotary Club, Elks, Kiwanis or other civic organizations? Do you have a religious affiliation that could provide some help?
5. THINK ABOUT SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
If you have a specific major in mind, you may find some scholarships that are for engineers only, for example. If you are a minority, look for scholarships for Hispanic, Native American or Black students. If you are a teen who owns or operates your own business, you may qualify for an entrepreneurial scholarship. If you have been passionate about community service, there are many opportunities to find some free money for college.
If you have a specific major in mind, you may find some scholarships that are for engineers only, for example. If you are a minority, look for scholarships for Hispanic, Native American or Black students. If you are a teen who owns or operates your own business, you may qualify for an entrepreneurial scholarship. If you have been passionate about community service, there are many opportunities to find some free money for college.
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