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Scholarships

Finding Scholarships

A scholarship does not need to be repaid; in other words, it’s free money to you can use to pay for higher education expenses, such as tuition and fees, textbooks and supplies, etc. It may be based upon academic merit, financial need, or your affiliation with a particular group.

When looking for scholarships to apply for, ask yourself:

  • Who am I (including religious or military affiliation)?
  • Where do I come from?
  • Where do I live?
  • Who do I work for?
  • What field am I going to study?

When conducting your research into scholarships, don’t overlook the school in which you intend to enroll. Even if you yourself do not have membership in a club, fraternal or social organization, you may still get a preferential nod based upon someone else’s allegiance. If your parent or spouse is a veteran, Elk, Rotarian, history enthusiast, or has donated to a cause for a number of years, put those on your list and apply.

Application deadlines are crucial. Keep a calendar of upcoming due dates and review it regularly. Some scholarships require letters of recommendation, or financial documentation. Make sure to build that turnaround time into your process. Some scholarships may require you to write an essay. If so, start early. Make sure you pass it along to someone else you trust for their editing. Don’t be scared off by the work involved; there are also many scholarships that involve nothing more than filling out a form.

Be aware that there are scholarship scams that attempt to take advantage of students. Avoid any company that offers to “do the work for you” for a fee. Protect yourself against scholarship scams and identity theft.

Top 4 Scholarships Myths

You may be entitled to free money for college! Don’t rule yourself out. Here are some common misconceptions of scholarships:
“I’m not a full-time freshman.”
Of course you’re not. You have a job and, most likely, a family to raise. There are scholarships for all levels of study (i.e. two-year school, graduate school) and many do not make a distinction between full-time and part-time study in awarding funds.

“I’m too old.”
Scholarships are NOT just for high school seniors. Many organizations are particularly interested in the adult student returning to school. Also, many scholarships do not list a specific age requirement, therefore, you are just as eligible as anyone else!

“I’m not a strong student.” or “My grades weren’t that good.”
Your previous academic record is rarely the only consideration for an award. In fact, 90% of scholarships are unconcerned with grades.

“I earn too much money.”
80% of private-sector (private sector meaning coming from corporations, unions, trust funds, religious organizations, fraternal organizations, civic clubs, associations, private philanthropists rather than the federal government) scholarships do NOT require you to show personal financial records.