Amanda
What if I don't receive any of the scholarships I applied for?
I have applied for over 25 scholarships and I haven't heard back from any of them. I've worked really hard with essays and questionnaires, filling out all my information and I really want to be successful. I hope I got these scholarships for college because I don't want to have to worry about student debt and student loans in the future. #college #scholarships
2 answers
Jordan Rivera
CareerVillage.org Team COACHJordan’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Great question Amanda. I'm sorry no one's answered it yet! I encourage you to continue applying! The reward of successfully attaining one will be super beneficial. Also, I recommend you look into more niche scholarships that require qualifications that you have and others might not, e.g. if the scholarship is only for students in a specific major, you will have a higher chance of winning compared to general scholarships!
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, especially specific scholarships for specific studies!). 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:
Veronica Hastings
Veronica’s Answer
Remember to apply for the small ones. Every single penny adds up and your chances are usually better when applying for small ones.
Also, don’t forget to reach out to the financial aid office at your school. They know of some good ones that not everyone knows about.
You can also take out a payment plan and work your way through college.
In addition, you may consider joining the military. I know it’s not exciting and I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but they can pay for your entire education or give a hefty scholarship, depending on the contract. If you have no other options, this might be the way to go.
Student loans aren’t awesome but they aren’t the devil. There’s no shame in getting some student loans if you need. Just understand the payment plans and how they work.
Never give up on your dreams.