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Is it possible to get a scholarship in a field you haven't done classes in high school?

I'm a junior currently and I feel like I've been wasting a lot of my time because I'm not in a computer class currently and I only have my senior year left. Is it too late to be hopeful for a scholarship from a computer science college?

computer-science scholarships
Thank you comment icon Hi! Yes, it's definitely possible. Agree with Mayra that you should check on the requirements and see which ones you're eligible for. Also if possible, maybe reach out to previous scholarship recipients (if listed) or staff members in the department, to get a better idea of things they might be looking for in deciding who to give scholarships to. Your school also likely offers general scholarships that aren't specific to a major, which can offer a lot of money and might be more attainable if you're not confident applying to ones in your field. Marlowe
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Mayra’s Answer

Hi Kelsie!

It is definitely possible to still get scholarships in your field even if you weren't able to take as many courses related to it! My high school personally did not have many courses in my current field but I was still able to get scholarships through the university itself, and even other parties. I would recommend going on different websites and looking at the requirements for scholarships within your field. Many of them may just be an essay but it is definitely important to at least in the essay speak more about your plan and what you want to accomplish within your undergraduate years. It may also be useful to email your desired college's financial aid office to ask for more resources that could point you in the right direction. Overall, apply as much as you can and make sure that you're putting in the effort to find all the hidden scholarships you could find!

-Mayra
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much Mayra, this really helps! Kelise
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Bailey’s Answer

Great question! I'd also recommend participating in extracurricular actives like Girls Who Code or exploring your interests on your own through Code Academy.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Bailey! I didn't even know about Code Academy! I signed up for Girls Who Code but there is a long waitlist so having the other option is VERY helpful. Kelise
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Shandy’s Answer

Not at all! Take this next year to take courses if possible and remember that schools are often looking for well-rounded candidates. Be sure to keep a log of all the skills you do have and how some of what you are learning, though maybe not directly related to computer science, is helpful for that field or careers in that field. So many employers want cross-functional capabilities and skills. So, apply for as many scholarship opportunities as you can. Hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Shandy! Kelise
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Atul’s Answer

Scholarships are offered based on AP courses taken with high GPA, essays, respectable SAT score and what else you have done (e.g. helping charities, soup kitchen, etc.).
If you want to pursue Computer Sc - it is not too late to take courses in Java, HTML, Python or C languages.
Even if you have not secured scholarships- the state schools will be a good medium to undertake what you want to pursue.
Incurring significant student loan debt from a pvt school vs state school is highly discouraged. Too many people have incurred student loan debt and cannot pay it back.
I am speaking from an experience of having 2 sons who went to state univ and earning salaries which is very hard to fathom. Starting salary was in six figures right out of the college. They had no student loan debt.
Both of them received scholarships from the state school based on scores and AP courses with high GPA.
Thank you comment icon I've been keeping my GPA up as high as I can and I've just signed up for a program for programming and they teach in a lot of the code languages mentioned so I think I have that down. However, I wanted to ask if it matters the AP/honors courses I take ? Are there ones that are more likely than others to aid in scholarship opportunities? Otherwise thank you so much! This was very helpful! Kelise
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Priya’s Answer

Hi Kelsie, I do not know about computer science school but I know you can get scholarships toward your education. I took a psychology class before graduating high school but this did not help me get scholarships. For me, good SAT scores (or ACT scores) were key to good scholarships. Also take the time to research which scholarships you can apply to both from the school you are interested in or outside it. Make sure to fill out a FAFSA, which may open you up to additional financial aid! At this point, your grades, exam scores, and financial need may be more important than your current class types or experience (at least this was true when I was in school!) Your high school counselor is a good resource for information! Good luck!
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