Britney
How do you find scholarships nobody applies for?
The only scholarships I can find are big ones with many people applying. How do I find smaller scholarships I will have a better chance of getting? #scholarships #scholarship #small-scholarships
2 answers
Jordan Rivera
CareerVillage.org Team COACHJordan’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Great question Britney. I'm sorry no one's answered it yet! It might be impossible to find a scholarship absolutely no one is applying for. What I did was I applied for scholarships offered in my specific department at my university. That might be the only way to strategize to applying for scholarships with less applicants (increasing your chances of winning!) I recommend looking for those niche scholarships at school that require a specific major and/or other qualification (there was one at my school that was ONLY for students studying abroad) where you know not many people have a chance - compared to general ones open to all students!
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?
Jordan, CareerVillage.org Team recommends the following next steps:
Jazmine Freeny
Jazmine’s Answer
Hey there! There are so many scholarships out there for literally just about everything, from having blue eyes, to your great grandmas nationality, you just have to know where to go to find them. Below are a list of websites you can check for specific scholarships depending on your intended major. If you need further assistance in finding some that match your area let me know and I'll be happy to help!
http://gmsp.org/
https://www.unigo.com/
https://www.uncf.org/
http://www.collegescholarships.org/financial-aid/
www.collegescholarships.org
https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/
www.scholarships.com
www.salliemae.com
https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/college-scholarships/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search#!welcome