Paying for college is not a small expense, so finding opportunities to help reduce the cost of tuition and other fees is super helpful for the wallet and overall stress level. Whether you’re a parent with a student about to go to college, a high school student, or a current college student, researching scholarships, both public and private, can help save you thousands of dollars to put towards your college education.
Types of Scholarships Available
There are hundreds of thousands of scholarships available for students. Many people commonly think of scholarships issued by the Federal government and colleges, but there are also thousands of private scholarships available.
Take the Application Process Seriously
When searching and applying for scholarships, it takes time and effort to both do the research and complete the application for submission. You want to treat the process like a professional and ensure you follow all the directions and meet the deadlines.
8 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Free Scholarship
Here are 8 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Free Scholarship:
1. Raise Your Academic Standing
Many scholarships are awarded based on your academic standing, including your GPA and ACT or SAT scores. Do your best to keep your GPA as high as possible. If you’re not happy with your ACT or SAT scores, you can consider taking them again in hopes of raising them.
2. Increase Your Class Rank
Some scholarships are awarded to people who fall within a certain top percentage of their class. For example, a scholarship might require you to be in the top 10 or 20% of your graduating class to qualify.
3. Apply for FAFSA
Every student, regardless of their financial situation, should use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply each school year. Schools award financial aid packages based on FAFSA submissions, including scholarships and grants.
4. Improve Your Essay Writing Skills
Writing might not be at the top of your list of things you love, but it’s necessary to have solid writing skills when submitting for scholarships. Scholarship submissions often require an essay on one of the hundreds of topics that will drive the decision-making process for the issuers.
Take an essay writing course or book a tutoring session to hone your essay writing skills. You can also have someone help you select the perfect topic, and you should always have someone review and proof your essay for you prior to submitting it. When selecting the topic for your essay, do some research on the organization issuing the scholarship, and when appropriate, tailor your essay around their mission and values.
5. Research Scholarships that Fit Your Interests, Personality, and Background
You might not realize it, but private scholarships are issued in numerous categories and for many reasons. Make a list of all your personal interests and the things that make you unique based on your personality and background.
Do you play an instrument? Are you an artist? Do you sing? Are your grandparents from another country? Are you Native American? Do you fall in a protected class? Do you have a unique degree? Are you the first person to go to college in your family?
Research scholarships by special abilities, disabilities, gender, ethnicity, unique characteristics, and more. There is often less competition for these specialized scholarships, increasing your chances of securing some funds.
6. Volunteer in the Community
Volunteering and getting involved in your community are additional options to increase your chances of securing a scholarship since some scholarships are awarded to students that volunteer their time. Volunteering is also a great way to boost your college application and resume.
7. Ask About Scholarships at Your Job or Your Parent’s Job
Some companies cover college tuition expenses and offer scholarships to their employees or their employees’ family members. Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Burger King, Dell, and Mcdonald’s all offer scholarships to employees or the employees’ children.
8. Seek out Local Scholarships
You can find hundreds of thousands of scholarships online, but don’t forget to ask your local community establishments if they offer scholarships. Your school guidance counselor, Chamber of Commerce, or local library are good places to start researching what scholarships are available in your area.
Put in the Effort for $$$
Though there is no guarantee that you’ll be awarded a scholarship, it is possible to win thousands of dollars—even $100,000 and more—in scholarship funds to apply toward undergrad and graduate schooling if you put in the effort. Do your homework to find scholarships that you qualify for, thoroughly complete the application, and begin submitting. Good luck!