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Where to find 2023-24 scholarships?
What are some strategies to locate scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year if my GPA falls below 3.0 but is above 2.75? (local scholarships are welcomed)
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Keith’s Answer
It could seem more difficult to find scholarships if your GPA is between 2.75 and 3.0, but there are still plenty of options. Scholarships are awarded based on more than just academic performance; many also consider extracurricular activities, personal history, financial necessity, specialized fields of study, and even conquering obstacles. The following methods will assist you in locating scholarships for the 2023–2024 academic year:
1. Search for scholarships based on need.
Instead of GPA, a lot of scholarships are determined by financial need. Regardless of their academic standing, these awards are intended to assist students who might be having financial issues. Here are a few instances:
State and federal awards, such as the Pell Grant
need-based scholarships particular to a university (check with the financial aid office at your institution)
Community-based grants from civic associations, local businesses, or places of worship
2. Look for Scholarships in the Subject You Study
You might be able to locate scholarships specifically for your major or area of interest. For instance:
STEM scholarships for students studying mathematics, science, technology, and engineering
Trade school scholarships for students pursuing technical or vocational education; arts scholarships for students studying fine arts, theater, music, or design
Look for scholarships related to your field of study online or at your school's department.
3. Take Underrepresented Group Scholarships into Account
Regardless of GPA, a lot of scholarships are intended for students from particular demographic groupings. Among the examples are:
Native American, Hispanic, African American, and other minority scholarships
Scholarships that are unique to a person's gender, such as those for men in nursing or women in engineering
Scholarships for students with disabilities or LGBTQ+ students
Scholarships for first-generation college students for those whose parents did not pursue higher education
You might use websites that focus on scholarships for underrepresented groups or search for keywords associated with your identity to find these scholarships.
4. Search for Local and Community Scholarships
Scholarships are offered by numerous local businesses, foundations, and groups, and there is less competition and fewer applicants. If your GPA isn't the best, these might be easier to get. Think about:
Local nonprofits, foundations, and associations (such as the Lions Club, Rotary Club, or other civic associations)
Companies in your community (look for employee or community scholarships at nearby businesses or large employers)
If you've graduated, get in touch with your high school alumni group because they frequently give their own grads scholarships
For additional information, speak with the guidance counselor at your school or the community centers in your area.
5. Look for scholarships that require essays or creative work.
Some scholarships require an essay, video submission, or creative project instead of a GPA. These scholarships assess your ability to write, solve problems, or think creatively. Among the examples are:
Essay competitions on historical, social, or creative subjects
Challenges in art or design where you can get paid for your imaginative work
Multimedia or video contests (often with a cause or community service component.
These scholarships may provide you an advantage even if your GPA isn't higher than 3.0 because they frequently highlight creativity, life experience, or enthusiasm.
1. Search for scholarships based on need.
Instead of GPA, a lot of scholarships are determined by financial need. Regardless of their academic standing, these awards are intended to assist students who might be having financial issues. Here are a few instances:
State and federal awards, such as the Pell Grant
need-based scholarships particular to a university (check with the financial aid office at your institution)
Community-based grants from civic associations, local businesses, or places of worship
2. Look for Scholarships in the Subject You Study
You might be able to locate scholarships specifically for your major or area of interest. For instance:
STEM scholarships for students studying mathematics, science, technology, and engineering
Trade school scholarships for students pursuing technical or vocational education; arts scholarships for students studying fine arts, theater, music, or design
Look for scholarships related to your field of study online or at your school's department.
3. Take Underrepresented Group Scholarships into Account
Regardless of GPA, a lot of scholarships are intended for students from particular demographic groupings. Among the examples are:
Native American, Hispanic, African American, and other minority scholarships
Scholarships that are unique to a person's gender, such as those for men in nursing or women in engineering
Scholarships for students with disabilities or LGBTQ+ students
Scholarships for first-generation college students for those whose parents did not pursue higher education
You might use websites that focus on scholarships for underrepresented groups or search for keywords associated with your identity to find these scholarships.
4. Search for Local and Community Scholarships
Scholarships are offered by numerous local businesses, foundations, and groups, and there is less competition and fewer applicants. If your GPA isn't the best, these might be easier to get. Think about:
Local nonprofits, foundations, and associations (such as the Lions Club, Rotary Club, or other civic associations)
Companies in your community (look for employee or community scholarships at nearby businesses or large employers)
If you've graduated, get in touch with your high school alumni group because they frequently give their own grads scholarships
For additional information, speak with the guidance counselor at your school or the community centers in your area.
5. Look for scholarships that require essays or creative work.
Some scholarships require an essay, video submission, or creative project instead of a GPA. These scholarships assess your ability to write, solve problems, or think creatively. Among the examples are:
Essay competitions on historical, social, or creative subjects
Challenges in art or design where you can get paid for your imaginative work
Multimedia or video contests (often with a cause or community service component.
These scholarships may provide you an advantage even if your GPA isn't higher than 3.0 because they frequently highlight creativity, life experience, or enthusiasm.
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
Please Please take with a grain of salt. I’ve worked in financial aid for twenty years.
I cannot stress enough that there is scholarship money out there….
One…I can't post links but if you were to put a dot com after what I say here....look at scholarships fastweb. My recommendation is that you set up an e-mail account specifically for that purpose. You should NEVER pay to apply for a scholarship. And while those sites are free, the caveat is that you might get sponsored e-mails. If you sign up using your everyday e-mail, you might get tired of that. Create an e-mail just for that purpose and go in once a week. Then you can pick and choose what is relevant.
Two – please know that GPA is not the end-all, be-all of qualifying for a scholarship. There are MANY private/endowed scholarships that are based on other criteria. Major/course of study, gender, ethnicity. Religion is something schools really can’t track, but we have donors based on that. They just have to identify. Another place to check with is your local chamber of commerce. We had three kids with scholarship checks from those sources. In the accounting world, they may classify it as “goodwill”….but the kids who got It are appreciative.
Three – if you have a parent who is part of a union or professional organization...that might be an avenue worth pursuing as well. We have gotten payments from local churches who have chipped in as well.
Four – it is brilliant that you are asking these questions now. Please keep in mind…many scholarships are renewable…and not all are restricted just to freshman. So…throughout your college career…keep applying.
Five – PLEASE just do me a favor…if you start college, don’t quit. I made the mistake of leaving after three semesters because I “didn’t know what I wanted to do”. It wasn’t until AFTER I left that a counselor told me…, “you don’t go to college to learn a job…you go to college to learn how to learn”. (Hope your parents don’t hate me for sharing that.) But please…don’t stop. I know after high school you get tired of the routine…but your life will be so much better in the end if you can suck it up and make it through. Remember…your major doesn’t have to define you…if it ends up being that way, you’re lucky. But your future will be easier if you get a degree.
Six – you got this! I hope you have a good support system at home…I did not growing up…and I want people to avoid the mistakes I made.
I cannot stress enough that there is scholarship money out there….
One…I can't post links but if you were to put a dot com after what I say here....look at scholarships fastweb. My recommendation is that you set up an e-mail account specifically for that purpose. You should NEVER pay to apply for a scholarship. And while those sites are free, the caveat is that you might get sponsored e-mails. If you sign up using your everyday e-mail, you might get tired of that. Create an e-mail just for that purpose and go in once a week. Then you can pick and choose what is relevant.
Two – please know that GPA is not the end-all, be-all of qualifying for a scholarship. There are MANY private/endowed scholarships that are based on other criteria. Major/course of study, gender, ethnicity. Religion is something schools really can’t track, but we have donors based on that. They just have to identify. Another place to check with is your local chamber of commerce. We had three kids with scholarship checks from those sources. In the accounting world, they may classify it as “goodwill”….but the kids who got It are appreciative.
Three – if you have a parent who is part of a union or professional organization...that might be an avenue worth pursuing as well. We have gotten payments from local churches who have chipped in as well.
Four – it is brilliant that you are asking these questions now. Please keep in mind…many scholarships are renewable…and not all are restricted just to freshman. So…throughout your college career…keep applying.
Five – PLEASE just do me a favor…if you start college, don’t quit. I made the mistake of leaving after three semesters because I “didn’t know what I wanted to do”. It wasn’t until AFTER I left that a counselor told me…, “you don’t go to college to learn a job…you go to college to learn how to learn”. (Hope your parents don’t hate me for sharing that.) But please…don’t stop. I know after high school you get tired of the routine…but your life will be so much better in the end if you can suck it up and make it through. Remember…your major doesn’t have to define you…if it ends up being that way, you’re lucky. But your future will be easier if you get a degree.
Six – you got this! I hope you have a good support system at home…I did not growing up…and I want people to avoid the mistakes I made.
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
Feel free to consult your school counselor for helpful advice.
Discover numerous scholarship opportunities that may align with your needs through the following link:
https://accessscholarships.com/blog/50-scholarships-for-college-students/
Hope this helps!
Discover numerous scholarship opportunities that may align with your needs through the following link:
https://accessscholarships.com/blog/50-scholarships-for-college-students/
Hope this helps!
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Linkedin and your network.
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
To find scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year, despite having a GPA below 3.0 but above 2.75, you can utilize the following strategies:
Start with your school's financial aid office: Contact your school's financial aid office or scholarship coordinator to inquire about any scholarships specifically available to students with GPAs in your range. They may have information about local scholarships or those specifically offered to students at your institution.
Local community organizations: Research local community organizations, nonprofits, and businesses in your area. These groups often offer scholarships to students in their community. Check their websites, reach out to them directly, or visit their offices to inquire about available scholarships.
Professional and social organizations: Explore professional organizations, clubs, or associations related to your field of study or interests. Many of these organizations provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in their respective fields.
Online scholarship search engines and databases: Utilize reputable online scholarship search engines and databases. Some popular platforms include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex. Use search filters to find scholarships suitable for your GPA range or other specific criteria.
Local foundations and businesses: Research local foundations, community trusts, and businesses that may offer scholarships to students. Check if any local businesses, corporations, or employers in your area have scholarship programs for employees or community members.
High school alumni associations: Contact your high school alumni association to inquire about scholarships they offer to current or incoming college students. They might have scholarships available specifically for students from your high school or region.
Civic organizations and religious groups: Explore scholarships offered by civic organizations, such as Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, or Kiwanis International. Additionally, religious groups or places of worship may provide scholarships to their members or students from their community.
Utilize social media and online communities: Follow scholarship-related social media accounts or join online communities that focus on sharing scholarship opportunities. These platforms often provide updates on available scholarships and may highlight opportunities suitable for students with varying GPAs.
Remember to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship. While some scholarships may have GPA requirements, others may consider factors beyond academics, such as leadership, community involvement, or specific talents.
Start with your school's financial aid office: Contact your school's financial aid office or scholarship coordinator to inquire about any scholarships specifically available to students with GPAs in your range. They may have information about local scholarships or those specifically offered to students at your institution.
Local community organizations: Research local community organizations, nonprofits, and businesses in your area. These groups often offer scholarships to students in their community. Check their websites, reach out to them directly, or visit their offices to inquire about available scholarships.
Professional and social organizations: Explore professional organizations, clubs, or associations related to your field of study or interests. Many of these organizations provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in their respective fields.
Online scholarship search engines and databases: Utilize reputable online scholarship search engines and databases. Some popular platforms include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex. Use search filters to find scholarships suitable for your GPA range or other specific criteria.
Local foundations and businesses: Research local foundations, community trusts, and businesses that may offer scholarships to students. Check if any local businesses, corporations, or employers in your area have scholarship programs for employees or community members.
High school alumni associations: Contact your high school alumni association to inquire about scholarships they offer to current or incoming college students. They might have scholarships available specifically for students from your high school or region.
Civic organizations and religious groups: Explore scholarships offered by civic organizations, such as Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, or Kiwanis International. Additionally, religious groups or places of worship may provide scholarships to their members or students from their community.
Utilize social media and online communities: Follow scholarship-related social media accounts or join online communities that focus on sharing scholarship opportunities. These platforms often provide updates on available scholarships and may highlight opportunities suitable for students with varying GPAs.
Remember to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship. While some scholarships may have GPA requirements, others may consider factors beyond academics, such as leadership, community involvement, or specific talents.