2 answers
Cody
Student
Burlington, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
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Is it harder to earn scholarships once you're in college?
Many of the scholarships I've applied to recently I've noticed are only provided for High School seniors. This makes me wonder... are most scholarships specifically for high school seniors or is there also a good range of scholarships for college students.
#scholarships #college #freshman #financial-aid
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2 answers
Dr. Kelly Desso
Protective Services
263
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Navigating the scholarship landscape can be tricky due to its diverse nature. The process of securing scholarships can become either more straightforward or more challenging once you're in college, influenced by a variety of factors.
In college, the competition for scholarships can be less intense as some are specifically designed for students who have accumulated a certain number of credits or are pursuing a specific major. This can make it easier to shine compared to the high school scenario where you're up against a larger number of contenders. There are scholarships earmarked exclusively for college students, with eligibility based on factors such as academic prowess, involvement in extracurricular activities, or specific majors. Fulfilling these prerequisites can simplify the process of qualifying for certain scholarships once you're already in college.
As you progress in college, you may build a more impressive academic record, acquire valuable experience through internships or research, or exhibit leadership in campus groups. These accomplishments can add weight to your scholarship applications.
However, it's worth noting that some scholarships are solely open to high school seniors or incoming college freshmen. Consequently, your options may dwindle once you're already enrolled in college. The process of applying for scholarships can be demanding, and college students may find their time stretched thin due to academic work, part-time jobs, and other responsibilities.
Despite the unique hurdles associated with securing scholarships in college, it also presents opportunities that may not have been accessible during high school. It's crucial to investigate and apply for scholarships that align with your current academic status and achievements. Utilizing resources such as your college's financial aid office or online scholarship databases can aid in identifying potential opportunities. My personal strategy was to regularly visit the business office website of my enrolled school. They often posted grants, special interest scholarships, or offerings from local donors/alumni that weren't advertised to high school graduates.
In college, the competition for scholarships can be less intense as some are specifically designed for students who have accumulated a certain number of credits or are pursuing a specific major. This can make it easier to shine compared to the high school scenario where you're up against a larger number of contenders. There are scholarships earmarked exclusively for college students, with eligibility based on factors such as academic prowess, involvement in extracurricular activities, or specific majors. Fulfilling these prerequisites can simplify the process of qualifying for certain scholarships once you're already in college.
As you progress in college, you may build a more impressive academic record, acquire valuable experience through internships or research, or exhibit leadership in campus groups. These accomplishments can add weight to your scholarship applications.
However, it's worth noting that some scholarships are solely open to high school seniors or incoming college freshmen. Consequently, your options may dwindle once you're already enrolled in college. The process of applying for scholarships can be demanding, and college students may find their time stretched thin due to academic work, part-time jobs, and other responsibilities.
Despite the unique hurdles associated with securing scholarships in college, it also presents opportunities that may not have been accessible during high school. It's crucial to investigate and apply for scholarships that align with your current academic status and achievements. Utilizing resources such as your college's financial aid office or online scholarship databases can aid in identifying potential opportunities. My personal strategy was to regularly visit the business office website of my enrolled school. They often posted grants, special interest scholarships, or offerings from local donors/alumni that weren't advertised to high school graduates.
Caroline Johnson
Electrical Engineer
5
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Hi Cody, I had this same worry. I actually found that I became eligible for more scholarships once I was into my sophomore/junior year of college. Like Kamilah said it is important to maintain good grades but after that the department you are in will likely have scholarships you can apply to where the applicant field will be much smaller and will give you better odds. Once you get into your college/department make sure to call them and see what advice they have. A lot of them will also have options for you to work on campus and get some funding that way.