3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Shayla’s Answer
It actually depends on 3 things and none of it's about your grades, but your dedication to finding the school that you feel is right for you; everyone has different circumstances and different paths to take when it comes to finding schools that they feel is best, so it's best to do your research on the type of school you want to go to, and find out the cost of that school before looking into scholarships
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Arnoldo !
Your questions about scholarships are spot on and very important when it comes to planning your future as a college student. I am happy to answer all of your questions and if you have more, please feel free to return here and inquire about any specifics that may be on your mind.
First, you can find available scholarships in many places. First and foremost would be online on the internet through a search. Second would be in person at your local Town or City Hall and Better Business Bureau as well as in person at the college you intend to apply to. Not all scholarships are listed online, so some footwork and interaction is very helpful to learn about the optimum amount of scholarships that are out there. Your Federal Government, State, City and County offer scholarships as well as large corporations. Try every one of them.
You apply to the scholarships, and Grants, by reading the information that describes who should apply and what the scholarship or grant amount is. Instructions on how to apply will be provided for every application. It is usually a form to complete online or a hard copy application and some require an essay, some do not, and some require a portfolio depending upon what your major is. You will discover all of this once you research the individual scholarships and grants. All the information is laid out in the notices for the applicant.
After reading scholarships and grants, you will know if you qualify. Criteria and guidelines for applying are all indicated in the description of the particular scholarship or grant you apply to. Some scholarships are categorized such as for California students, freshman, low income students, offers based on race or any number or qualities. You will know which ones will be worthwhile to apply to.
You can apply to as many scholarships and grants as you want. My on-going advice is to apply for as many as you possibly can. It will seem like a full time job at first, lots of writing/typing and reading and then keeping track of all the scholarships and grants you've applied for. But all of this work will pay off in the end. You will not be awarded every scholarship you apply for, that is why you need to apply for many so that your chances of receiving the monies are increased. You'll want as much financial assistance as possible. Set aside a couple days a week to focus on nothing but scholarships and grants. You'll need this focused time to research, complete applications, keep a record of the ones you apply for and visiting in person to seek out scholarships and grants that are not listed on the internet. It's never too early to collect this valuable information.
Your chances of receiving scholarships and grants cannot be determined. Many other applicants will apply, but the more applications you complete and send, your chances get better to receive something. Your application will go through an evaluation process and that will result in whether or not the organization or company or municipality chooses your application. So it's not useful to wonder about how much total money you will receive, you just have to apply to a lot of them and wait to hear back.
Since it is a lot of work getting this all together, I am happy to provide some referral links below to some scholarship websites to get you started. There are so many more to explore, however, and you can do a search on the internet for a lot more. Do not hesitate to return here for more advice.
Best wishes to you in all you do !
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CALIFORNIA STUDENTS https://bold.org/scholarships/by-state/california-scholarships/
SCHOLARSHIPS FROM YOUR LOCAL STATE https://www.collegescholarships.org/states/california.htm
SILICON VALLEY SCHOLARSHIPS https://www.siliconvalleycf.org/scholarships
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AMERICAN STUDENTS https://scholarshipamerica.org/
SCHOLARSHIPS BASED ON YOUR MAJOR https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/by-major
Your questions about scholarships are spot on and very important when it comes to planning your future as a college student. I am happy to answer all of your questions and if you have more, please feel free to return here and inquire about any specifics that may be on your mind.
First, you can find available scholarships in many places. First and foremost would be online on the internet through a search. Second would be in person at your local Town or City Hall and Better Business Bureau as well as in person at the college you intend to apply to. Not all scholarships are listed online, so some footwork and interaction is very helpful to learn about the optimum amount of scholarships that are out there. Your Federal Government, State, City and County offer scholarships as well as large corporations. Try every one of them.
You apply to the scholarships, and Grants, by reading the information that describes who should apply and what the scholarship or grant amount is. Instructions on how to apply will be provided for every application. It is usually a form to complete online or a hard copy application and some require an essay, some do not, and some require a portfolio depending upon what your major is. You will discover all of this once you research the individual scholarships and grants. All the information is laid out in the notices for the applicant.
After reading scholarships and grants, you will know if you qualify. Criteria and guidelines for applying are all indicated in the description of the particular scholarship or grant you apply to. Some scholarships are categorized such as for California students, freshman, low income students, offers based on race or any number or qualities. You will know which ones will be worthwhile to apply to.
You can apply to as many scholarships and grants as you want. My on-going advice is to apply for as many as you possibly can. It will seem like a full time job at first, lots of writing/typing and reading and then keeping track of all the scholarships and grants you've applied for. But all of this work will pay off in the end. You will not be awarded every scholarship you apply for, that is why you need to apply for many so that your chances of receiving the monies are increased. You'll want as much financial assistance as possible. Set aside a couple days a week to focus on nothing but scholarships and grants. You'll need this focused time to research, complete applications, keep a record of the ones you apply for and visiting in person to seek out scholarships and grants that are not listed on the internet. It's never too early to collect this valuable information.
Your chances of receiving scholarships and grants cannot be determined. Many other applicants will apply, but the more applications you complete and send, your chances get better to receive something. Your application will go through an evaluation process and that will result in whether or not the organization or company or municipality chooses your application. So it's not useful to wonder about how much total money you will receive, you just have to apply to a lot of them and wait to hear back.
Since it is a lot of work getting this all together, I am happy to provide some referral links below to some scholarship websites to get you started. There are so many more to explore, however, and you can do a search on the internet for a lot more. Do not hesitate to return here for more advice.
Best wishes to you in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Amina’s Answer
Finding scholarships to apply for can be a strategic process. Here are some resources and tips to help you locate scholarship opportunities:
1. **Online Scholarship Databases**
**Scholarship Search Engines:**
- **Fastweb:** One of the largest scholarship databases, offering a wide variety of scholarships based on different criteria.
- **Scholarships.com:** Provides a comprehensive database of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.
- **Cappex:** Allows you to search for scholarships and also provides information on colleges.
- **Chegg Scholarships:** Offers a large collection of scholarships and advice on applying for them.
2. **Government Resources**
**Federal Scholarships:**
- **Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):** Completing the FAFSA can qualify you for federal grants, loans, and some state scholarships.
- **U.S. Department of Education:** Lists various federal scholarships and grant programs.
- **State Government Websites:** Many states offer scholarship programs for residents. Check your state’s education department website.
3. **College and University Resources**
**Institutional Scholarships:**
- **Financial Aid Offices:** Contact the financial aid office at the colleges or universities you are interested in to learn about available scholarships.
- **Departmental Scholarships:** Specific departments (e.g., engineering, nursing) often have scholarships for students majoring in those fields.
4. **Local Community Resources**
**Community Foundations:**
- **Local Community Foundations:** Many communities have foundations that offer scholarships to local students.
- **High School Guidance Counselors:** Counselors often have information about local scholarships and can help you apply.
5. **Professional Organizations**
**Industry-Specific Scholarships:**
- **Professional Associations:** Many industries have professional organizations that offer scholarships to students pursuing related degrees (e.g., American Medical Association, National Society of Professional Engineers).
- **Trade Associations:** These can also be sources of scholarship funds.
6. **Corporate Scholarships**
**Company-Sponsored Programs:**
- **Large Corporations:** Companies like Coca-Cola, Dell, and Google offer scholarships to students.
- **Employer-Sponsored Scholarships:** Some employers offer scholarships for employees’ children.
7. **Non-Profit and Private Organizations**
**Foundation Scholarships:**
- **Non-Profits:** Organizations like the Gates Millennium Scholars Program and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offer substantial scholarships.
- **Private Foundations:** Many private foundations offer scholarships based on a variety of criteria.
8. **Ethnic and Cultural Organizations**
**Minority Scholarships:**
- **Hispanic Scholarship Fund:** Offers scholarships to Latino students.
- **United Negro College Fund:** Provides scholarships to African American students.
- **Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund:** Supports Asian and Pacific Islander students.
9. **Military Scholarships**
**Service-Based Scholarships:**
- **ROTC Programs:** Offer scholarships in exchange for service commitments.
- **Veterans Affairs:** Provides scholarships and grants for veterans and their families.
10. **Special Interest Groups**
**Unique Scholarships:**
- **Athletic Scholarships:** For student-athletes based on their sports performance.
- **Arts Scholarships:** For students pursuing degrees in the arts, including music, theater, and visual arts.
- **Essay Contests:** Scholarships awarded based on essay submissions.
Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships:
1. **Start Early:** Begin your search well before your senior year of high school.
2. **Stay Organized:** Keep track of deadlines and requirements for each scholarship.
3. **Tailor Your Applications:** Customize your essays and applications to fit the specific scholarship criteria.
4. **Apply Widely:** Apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of receiving funds.
5. **Seek Help:** Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, counselors, or mentors when applying.
By exploring these resources and following these tips, you can effectively find and apply for scholarships to help fund your education.
1. **Online Scholarship Databases**
**Scholarship Search Engines:**
- **Fastweb:** One of the largest scholarship databases, offering a wide variety of scholarships based on different criteria.
- **Scholarships.com:** Provides a comprehensive database of scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.
- **Cappex:** Allows you to search for scholarships and also provides information on colleges.
- **Chegg Scholarships:** Offers a large collection of scholarships and advice on applying for them.
2. **Government Resources**
**Federal Scholarships:**
- **Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):** Completing the FAFSA can qualify you for federal grants, loans, and some state scholarships.
- **U.S. Department of Education:** Lists various federal scholarships and grant programs.
- **State Government Websites:** Many states offer scholarship programs for residents. Check your state’s education department website.
3. **College and University Resources**
**Institutional Scholarships:**
- **Financial Aid Offices:** Contact the financial aid office at the colleges or universities you are interested in to learn about available scholarships.
- **Departmental Scholarships:** Specific departments (e.g., engineering, nursing) often have scholarships for students majoring in those fields.
4. **Local Community Resources**
**Community Foundations:**
- **Local Community Foundations:** Many communities have foundations that offer scholarships to local students.
- **High School Guidance Counselors:** Counselors often have information about local scholarships and can help you apply.
5. **Professional Organizations**
**Industry-Specific Scholarships:**
- **Professional Associations:** Many industries have professional organizations that offer scholarships to students pursuing related degrees (e.g., American Medical Association, National Society of Professional Engineers).
- **Trade Associations:** These can also be sources of scholarship funds.
6. **Corporate Scholarships**
**Company-Sponsored Programs:**
- **Large Corporations:** Companies like Coca-Cola, Dell, and Google offer scholarships to students.
- **Employer-Sponsored Scholarships:** Some employers offer scholarships for employees’ children.
7. **Non-Profit and Private Organizations**
**Foundation Scholarships:**
- **Non-Profits:** Organizations like the Gates Millennium Scholars Program and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offer substantial scholarships.
- **Private Foundations:** Many private foundations offer scholarships based on a variety of criteria.
8. **Ethnic and Cultural Organizations**
**Minority Scholarships:**
- **Hispanic Scholarship Fund:** Offers scholarships to Latino students.
- **United Negro College Fund:** Provides scholarships to African American students.
- **Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund:** Supports Asian and Pacific Islander students.
9. **Military Scholarships**
**Service-Based Scholarships:**
- **ROTC Programs:** Offer scholarships in exchange for service commitments.
- **Veterans Affairs:** Provides scholarships and grants for veterans and their families.
10. **Special Interest Groups**
**Unique Scholarships:**
- **Athletic Scholarships:** For student-athletes based on their sports performance.
- **Arts Scholarships:** For students pursuing degrees in the arts, including music, theater, and visual arts.
- **Essay Contests:** Scholarships awarded based on essay submissions.
Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships:
1. **Start Early:** Begin your search well before your senior year of high school.
2. **Stay Organized:** Keep track of deadlines and requirements for each scholarship.
3. **Tailor Your Applications:** Customize your essays and applications to fit the specific scholarship criteria.
4. **Apply Widely:** Apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of receiving funds.
5. **Seek Help:** Don’t hesitate to ask for help from teachers, counselors, or mentors when applying.
By exploring these resources and following these tips, you can effectively find and apply for scholarships to help fund your education.