Does Anyone have any advice on getting scholarships?
I'm already a freshman in College but might not be able to finish because my family and I don't make enough money to support me enough to finish. I'm worried that I won't be able to continue my education at this rate and feel like I am not that good compared to the rest of the competition out there.
#money #scholarships #college #financial-aid
4 answers
Jordan Rivera
CareerVillage.org Team COACHJordan’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Great question Stephen. I'm sorry no one's answered it yet! In the meantime, I thought I'd share a few links to other relevant Q&A on CareerVillage.org that should be super helpful for you to read through in regards to scholarships. I've included tips in the "next steps" section below a list of trustworthy sites you should create accounts on if you haven't already (that have good scholarships!). Here are tips that could help you in your preparation of finding and submitting for scholarships:
- Dedicate a minimum of 1 hour a day for a few weeks to applying for scholarships and it'll go a long way.
- Be thoughtful about your entries, just doing the bare minimum isn't going to land you any scholarships. It's better to spend more time on each entry to ensure it's well thought out than to rush through to try to enter a bunch. Quality over quantity!!
- I recommend writing one STELLAR essay. Chances are you'll use it for every scholarship application (potentially only having to make minor edits dependent on what the prompt is). Tell a story that clearly represents who you are and what's important to you. The goal of the essay should be to let the reader in to your life. If you can do that in a genuine and meaningful way you'll be considered, I promise! A couple of ideas: Write about the hardest thing you've had to go through in your life or what makes you so passionate about something. Be sure to include lessons you've learned and what you hope to do with that knowledge/experience later in life.
- Spend more time finding scholarships that directly pertain to YOU so it cuts down the competition. Look for scholarships in your local community, or that are just for young women, for example. Know what career path you want to pursue? There are probably dozens of scholarship opportunities that are only for students aspiring to follow a specific career path (e.g. STEM, entertainment, sports, design, etc. etc.)
Relevant Q&A on CareerVillage.org you should read:
What financial support can I find to help me pay for college?
How to stand out when applying for scholarships?
What are the chances of winning scholarships?
Jordan, CareerVillage.org Team recommends the following next steps:
Jazmine’s Answer
Hello there! I just graduated in May, here are a few of the scholarships sites that my friends and I have received funds from. Hope these will help you! Also go down to your schools financial aid office speak with them about what your family is going through and they should be able to help. There are so many scholarships that the school offers that go unclaimed each year. You just have to speak to the right person! Use your Resources!
https://www.unigo.com/
http://gmsp.org/
https://www.uncf.org/
http://www.collegescholarships.org/financial-aid/
https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/
https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/college-scholarships/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search#!welcome
Jazmine recommends the following next steps:
Amber’s Answer
I would recommend the following options as I remember that having to pursue many scholarships and opportunities to stay in school. I came from a poverty-stricken household where I was raised by a single mother. Attached you will find some of the options that I pursued to stay in school and graduate.
Amber recommends the following next steps:
Roland’s Answer
There are books that are great guides;
- The Ultimate Scholarship Guide 2018 -2019
- Confessions of A Scholarship Winner
- The Secret Guide to Getting College Scholarships
- 101 Scholarship applications
This list goes on. I would suggest investing in one of these as they are all investments in your future. Hope this helps! Also talk to your counselor about a program called “Who’s Who Amongst Highschool Students”! This will also help with scholarship offers.