Chelsie
Playing the Odds with Scholarships
I would love to finance my #higher-education with more #scholarship money, especially given a cut in state funding for #financial-aid taking effect next year.
Is it more worthwhile to devote my time to the easier #scholarships that simply require me to sign up for a website or take a survey? Or should I pursue fewer scholarships, but try to go for the ones that require an #essay ?
Where will my time be best spent?
4 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Are Easier Scholarships or Essay-Based Scholarships Better for Me?
The best choice between easier scholarships and those requiring essays is primarily influenced by your personal situation. This includes factors like your available time, writing proficiency, and the specific scholarships you can apply for. Each type of scholarship carries its own set of benefits and downsides, which we'll discuss further.
Understanding Easier Scholarships: Benefits and Drawbacks
Easier scholarships demand less effort, such as registering on a website or filling out a survey. If you're short on time or struggle with writing, these scholarships can be a viable choice. Let's delve into the advantages and disadvantages of focusing on easier scholarships:
Advantages:
Less effort: Easier scholarships usually demand less time and effort than essay-based scholarships or those with extensive applications.
More chances: By applying for more scholarships, you boost your odds of securing at least a few.
Disadvantages:
Smaller rewards: Easier scholarships often offer smaller amounts compared to essay-based scholarships or those with extensive applications.
More competition: As easier scholarships demand less effort, they may draw more applicants, making it tougher to win.
Exploring Essay Scholarships: Benefits and Drawbacks
Scholarships requiring essays usually offer larger amounts and are more competitive. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of focusing on essay scholarships:
Advantages:
Larger rewards: Essay scholarships often offer larger amounts compared to easier scholarships.
Less competition: As essay scholarships demand more effort, they may draw fewer applicants, making it easier to stand out.
Disadvantages:
More effort: Writing essays demands more time and effort than applying for easier scholarships.
Less chances: As essay scholarships are more competitive, you may have fewer chances to win.
Final Thoughts
Generally, diversifying your scholarship applications by applying to both easier and essay-based scholarships is a smart move. This strategy maximizes your chances of winning and potentially increases your total scholarship amount. However, if you're short on time or writing isn't your forte, focusing on easier scholarships might be more beneficial. Conversely, if you're a strong writer and ready to put in the work, essay scholarships might be a better fit. The optimal strategy will ultimately depend on your personal situation and the specific scholarships you can apply for.
I'm 90% confident that this advice is accurate based on the information given.
Stay blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
Lynette Smith
Lynette’s Answer
This is a smart move. Every little bit counts, and you'll have a much better college experience if you aren't too stressed about finances.
Like any "gamble", I would advise that diversification is a smart way to get the most out of your time. If you spread your time and effort over a mix of opportunities, some short, some long, you'll maximize the overall, possible outcome. Those that are easy to apply for will likely have a higher number of applicants, which will decrease your odds of being selected. Those that take more time and effort will give you more of a chance to showcase your skills, talents, and achievements, which will allow your application to shine, and rise above others.
Filling out countless surveys, if you don't really have any special qualifications for them, would be like playing the slots. Doesn't take a lot of time or brain power, sure. And, you might even get lucky if you pull the handle enough times. But, on the down side, the slots don't allow you to apply any sort of smarts or strategy, which could improve your odds of winning, over sheer luck of the draw.
If you have special skills, talents, leadership achievements, extra-curricular interests, essay-writing skills, or other ways to help your application stand out from the crowd, I'd leverage those to the best of your ability. Don't target scholarships based on how easy the application is, but rather, select those where your skills and talents would likely be the VERY BEST match, making you the candidate most likely to be selected. That's the best way to improve your odds of winning!
And remember, those selectors are people, not machines. They are handing out hard-earned money, and they care about who gets it. They want to make sure it goes to the most deserving candidate in the applicant pool. So, keep that in mind when you are filling out the surveys and other applications, and you'll do fine. Good luck!
Lynette recommends the following next steps:
Simeon Snow
Simeon’s Answer
Vickey Manning
Vickey’s Answer
Good question! This requires research, research, research. Money is out there. You just have to look hard to find it.
Vickey recommends the following next steps: