Introduction
The word “scholarship” is a very big umbrella term. Scholarships can come with different strings attached, which means that you need to know what kind of scholarship you’re looking for before you start applying for them. Say’s Dr. Dennis Doan, you might be surprised by how many scholarships are out there, but also disappointed when your application gets denied. So if you’re thinking about applying for scholarships, here’s what we think are the most important things to consider:
The word “scholarship” is a very big umbrella term. Scholarships can come with different strings attached.
When it comes to scholarships, there are many different types. The word “scholarship” is a very big umbrella term. Scholarships can come with different strings attached. For example, some require you to maintain a certain GPA or meet certain standards for your major, while others may require you to participate in activities such as community service or leadership development programs (and still others don’t).
You should also keep in mind that some scholarships are need-based while others are merit-based; either way though, the goal is typically to help students pay for college without taking out loans or working full time during the school year (which would prevent them from being able to focus on their studies).
You can’t just apply to scholarships you think you’ll never win.
You can’t just apply to scholarships you think you’ll never win.
Applying for a scholarship isn’t like buying a lottery ticket; you don’t have to pick and choose which ones are worth your time, energy, and money. In fact, the more scholarships you apply for–and yes, even if they seem impossible at first glance–the better your chances of being awarded one! You never know what might come from applying or who might see your application before it’s due (or even after).
Some high school teachers may be able to help you start getting your name out there when it comes to finding scholarships.
If you’re in high school and want to start getting your name out there when it comes to finding scholarships, don’t be afraid to ask your teachers if they know of any scholarships you could apply for. They may also be able to help by connecting you with students who have won awards in the past.
Some high school teachers may even be able to help with the application process itself! If this is the case for yours, consider asking them about it; some teachers are willing and able to assist their students with completing applications on time (and with all necessary materials), preparing essays/statements of intent, writing letters of recommendation–you name it!
You’ll need a GPA and SAT scores that meet the requirements of whichever scholarships you’re interested in.
While GPA and SAT scores are important, they aren’t the only requirements for scholarships. You’ll need to meet the requirements of the scholarship itself–not just reach a certain minimum GPA or score on your SATs. Some scholarships have additional requirements like community service or submitting an essay about why you deserve their money.
Know what you’re applying for before you apply to it! This is especially important for private scholarships where you are expected to write an essay about something specific.
If you don’t know what the requirements are, ask someone who does! If that isn’t an option, look online for scholarships similar to the one you want to apply for and see if they have a similar application.
Conclusion
We hope that this post has helped you understand what scholarships are and how they can help you reach your goals. If you’re still struggling with finding an appropriate scholarship, don’t worry! There are plenty of other resources out there to help guide your journey, including our own scholarship database where students can search by keyword or category (such as “arts”). You can also check out our blog posts on tips for applying successfully or how to write an essay about yourself (which may be required).
