4 answers
Alina
Student
Arlington, Virginia
6
Questions
Asked
2617 views
How/What/Where do i apply for Scholarships?
Hi guys! I'm currently struggling with applying to scholarships, Ive signed up for almost every scholarship website my high-schools counselor has recommended but im still confused. I don't understand what some scholarships are good for my "major" or which ones need requirements. Ive also haven't applied to FASFA yet, im actually currently looking at their website but i need my ssn which is at home currently. But also another worrying factor, Ive only applied to 2 University's so far and in like 2 days the 1st semester ends. What if i don't get accepted into university? What if i don't have enough financial aid? What if im left behind?
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4 answers
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
This should do.
Here’s a summary to help with scholarships and financial aid:
FAFSA:
Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible—it’s key for grants, loans, and work-study. You’ll need your SSN and your parents’ financial info.
Scholarship Search:
Focus on scholarships that match your background, achievements, and intended major.
Use platforms like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche for tailored opportunities.
Prioritize Applications:
Apply first to scholarships with clear deadlines and requirements you meet.
Look for local scholarships through community groups, employers, and high school resources.
University Applications:
Apply to more schools if possible, especially ones with rolling admissions or less competitive entry.
Backup Plan:
Consider community college as a cost-effective option to transfer later.
Here’s a summary to help with scholarships and financial aid:
FAFSA:
Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible—it’s key for grants, loans, and work-study. You’ll need your SSN and your parents’ financial info.
Scholarship Search:
Focus on scholarships that match your background, achievements, and intended major.
Use platforms like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Niche for tailored opportunities.
Prioritize Applications:
Apply first to scholarships with clear deadlines and requirements you meet.
Look for local scholarships through community groups, employers, and high school resources.
University Applications:
Apply to more schools if possible, especially ones with rolling admissions or less competitive entry.
Backup Plan:
Consider community college as a cost-effective option to transfer later.
Jo Embleton
small community journalism
1
Answer
Tyler, Texas
Updated
Jo’s Answer
If you school offers a dual credit program or career tracking, definitely look into those - basically you study or train in your chosen career in high school, saving time and saving money.
Also look at junior college programs, where you can get your first 60 hours of college credits under your belt for a fraction of the cost of a four year university, just make sure you are able to transfer your credits between the two institutions.
Also look at junior college programs, where you can get your first 60 hours of college credits under your belt for a fraction of the cost of a four year university, just make sure you are able to transfer your credits between the two institutions.
Shayla Gray Parker
Nursing
4
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Shayla’s Answer
Hi,
Your path and timing is your own. Don’t compare your timeframe with anyone because your route may be different. What’s important is that you reach your goal(s).
Some states have a timeframe in which they allow in-state students to apply to different in-state colleges for free. Look in your state and see when that is. That’s a good time to apply for college without spending much money. Also, you can use the money saved to apply for out-of-state schools, if that’s your choice.
Check your local banks, churches and organizations for scholarship opportunities. Many of the popular public options are more competitive because of their visibility. Lower priced scholarships are just as good as the higher priced scholarships. Apply for as many as possible.
Your path and timing is your own. Don’t compare your timeframe with anyone because your route may be different. What’s important is that you reach your goal(s).
Some states have a timeframe in which they allow in-state students to apply to different in-state colleges for free. Look in your state and see when that is. That’s a good time to apply for college without spending much money. Also, you can use the money saved to apply for out-of-state schools, if that’s your choice.
Check your local banks, churches and organizations for scholarship opportunities. Many of the popular public options are more competitive because of their visibility. Lower priced scholarships are just as good as the higher priced scholarships. Apply for as many as possible.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Alright, Alina, buckle up because we’re diving into this with some real talk, tips, and a bit of humor sprinkled in for good measure. 😎
### **Step 1: Scholarships – The Treasure Hunt**
You've signed up for every scholarship website your counselor recommended—nice job! Now it’s time to dig deeper and start finding the best ones for you. Think of this like a treasure hunt where you’re looking for scholarships that match your major, interests, and needs. Here's how to narrow it down:
1. **Use Filters:** Most scholarship websites let you filter scholarships by major, location, and eligibility. For example, if you’re into psychology, filter for psychology scholarships, or if you’re a local of Arlington, look for local scholarships.
2. **Check Eligibility:** Read the eligibility requirements carefully to avoid wasting time. Some scholarships are super specific (like ones for first-generation college students or those with certain community service experience). If it’s a fit, apply! 💥
3. **Create a List:** Grab a notebook or spreadsheet (seriously, this helps!). Write down each scholarship, its deadline, and its requirements. This will keep you organized and prevent you from missing any deadlines.
4. **Essays & Recommendations:** Some scholarships will ask for essays or recommendations. Think of your essays as mini-interviews. Get personal, share your passions, and show why you deserve the money!
5. **Local Scholarships:** Don’t forget local scholarships that might not be on big websites! Check with your high school, local organizations, businesses, and even your parents’ workplaces.
**Bonus Tip:** Don’t just apply for big, well-known scholarships. Local ones often have less competition, meaning a higher chance of winning!
### **Step 2: FAFSA – The Golden Ticket**
Okay, so FAFSA is your golden ticket to financial aid, and not having it done yet? No worries, it happens. But let’s get you going!
1. **Get Your SSN:** I know it's at home, but try to get it ASAP (maybe ask a family member to send it to you digitally or in a hurry). Without it, you can't complete FAFSA, and that’s a huge step towards getting federal aid, grants, and even loans.
2. **What You Need:** Along with your SSN, you’ll need your family’s tax info (for last year) or W-2s. Don’t stress if you don’t have everything now—just get what you can and fill in the rest as you get it.
3. **FAFSA Website:** Head over to the [FAFSA website](https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa). The process can seem long, but just take it step-by-step. If you're feeling lost, many schools have FAFSA workshops or virtual help centers that can guide you through.
4. **Early is Better:** The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the better. Some types of aid (like certain state grants) are limited, so applying early increases your chances.
**Pro Tip:** Check the deadlines for the schools you’re applying to, and don’t miss out on their specific financial aid deadlines. Some schools have different ones!
### **Step 3: University Applications – You’ve Got More Time Than You Think!**
Here’s the deal with your two university applications. First off, two is better than none! But if the semester ends in two days and you're panicking, take a deep breath.
1. **Rolling Admissions & Late Deadlines:** Some schools have “rolling admissions,” meaning they accept applications even after the typical deadlines. You can still apply to others even now—just reach out to admissions to check if they’re still accepting applications.
2. **Don’t Stress About Rejection:** If you don’t get accepted into your first choice, there are a ton of paths forward! Consider community college for a year or two, and then transfer to a 4-year school. Many students take this route and end up at their dream school later.
3. **Backup Plans are Key:** It's like planning for a surprise snow day. You might have your first-choice school, but have a second, third, or fourth option just in case. It’s never bad to have a solid backup plan!
4. **Stay in Touch with Admissions:** If you’re unsure about whether you meet the deadlines or need to apply for rolling admissions, don’t be afraid to ask. Admissions teams are there to help!
### **Step 4: Financial Aid – It’s Not Just About FAFSA**
You’re right to be worried about financial aid. But here’s some good news: there’s more out there than just federal aid.
1. **Merit-based Scholarships:** These scholarships are awarded based on your academic performance or other talents (like sports, music, etc.). Check your university’s website for any automatic merit-based scholarships.
2. **Work-Study & On-Campus Jobs:** If your financial aid package includes work-study, it’s a great way to make extra money while on campus. Many schools also have on-campus jobs that can fit around your schedule.
3. **Private Scholarships:** You can apply to private scholarships through websites like Scholarship.com, Niche, or even local businesses and non-profits. Don’t be shy about applying to as many as you can!
4. **Financial Aid Offices:** Don’t forget to reach out to your school’s financial aid office if you have questions or need extra help. They can guide you to additional funding options, explain your award package, or give advice on next steps.
### **Step 5: The Path Ahead – Stay Chill, You’ve Got This**
You’re doing awesome, Alina. College applications, scholarships, and financial aid are all a huge process—but you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Pace yourself, break it down into small tasks, and keep ticking off those boxes.
And remember, you’re not alone! Most students feel overwhelmed with this stuff. Just keep going, ask for help when you need it, and don’t forget to *breathe*.
**Pro Tip for Mental Health:** Take breaks. Seriously. Dance it out, watch your favorite show, take a walk—whatever recharges you so you can tackle everything with fresh energy. 🔋✨
---
If you ever need more advice, tips, or just some good old-fashioned humor, hit me up! You’ve got this, Alina. Keep pushing forward, and good things are headed your way. 💪🌟
### **Step 1: Scholarships – The Treasure Hunt**
You've signed up for every scholarship website your counselor recommended—nice job! Now it’s time to dig deeper and start finding the best ones for you. Think of this like a treasure hunt where you’re looking for scholarships that match your major, interests, and needs. Here's how to narrow it down:
1. **Use Filters:** Most scholarship websites let you filter scholarships by major, location, and eligibility. For example, if you’re into psychology, filter for psychology scholarships, or if you’re a local of Arlington, look for local scholarships.
2. **Check Eligibility:** Read the eligibility requirements carefully to avoid wasting time. Some scholarships are super specific (like ones for first-generation college students or those with certain community service experience). If it’s a fit, apply! 💥
3. **Create a List:** Grab a notebook or spreadsheet (seriously, this helps!). Write down each scholarship, its deadline, and its requirements. This will keep you organized and prevent you from missing any deadlines.
4. **Essays & Recommendations:** Some scholarships will ask for essays or recommendations. Think of your essays as mini-interviews. Get personal, share your passions, and show why you deserve the money!
5. **Local Scholarships:** Don’t forget local scholarships that might not be on big websites! Check with your high school, local organizations, businesses, and even your parents’ workplaces.
**Bonus Tip:** Don’t just apply for big, well-known scholarships. Local ones often have less competition, meaning a higher chance of winning!
### **Step 2: FAFSA – The Golden Ticket**
Okay, so FAFSA is your golden ticket to financial aid, and not having it done yet? No worries, it happens. But let’s get you going!
1. **Get Your SSN:** I know it's at home, but try to get it ASAP (maybe ask a family member to send it to you digitally or in a hurry). Without it, you can't complete FAFSA, and that’s a huge step towards getting federal aid, grants, and even loans.
2. **What You Need:** Along with your SSN, you’ll need your family’s tax info (for last year) or W-2s. Don’t stress if you don’t have everything now—just get what you can and fill in the rest as you get it.
3. **FAFSA Website:** Head over to the [FAFSA website](https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa). The process can seem long, but just take it step-by-step. If you're feeling lost, many schools have FAFSA workshops or virtual help centers that can guide you through.
4. **Early is Better:** The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the better. Some types of aid (like certain state grants) are limited, so applying early increases your chances.
**Pro Tip:** Check the deadlines for the schools you’re applying to, and don’t miss out on their specific financial aid deadlines. Some schools have different ones!
### **Step 3: University Applications – You’ve Got More Time Than You Think!**
Here’s the deal with your two university applications. First off, two is better than none! But if the semester ends in two days and you're panicking, take a deep breath.
1. **Rolling Admissions & Late Deadlines:** Some schools have “rolling admissions,” meaning they accept applications even after the typical deadlines. You can still apply to others even now—just reach out to admissions to check if they’re still accepting applications.
2. **Don’t Stress About Rejection:** If you don’t get accepted into your first choice, there are a ton of paths forward! Consider community college for a year or two, and then transfer to a 4-year school. Many students take this route and end up at their dream school later.
3. **Backup Plans are Key:** It's like planning for a surprise snow day. You might have your first-choice school, but have a second, third, or fourth option just in case. It’s never bad to have a solid backup plan!
4. **Stay in Touch with Admissions:** If you’re unsure about whether you meet the deadlines or need to apply for rolling admissions, don’t be afraid to ask. Admissions teams are there to help!
### **Step 4: Financial Aid – It’s Not Just About FAFSA**
You’re right to be worried about financial aid. But here’s some good news: there’s more out there than just federal aid.
1. **Merit-based Scholarships:** These scholarships are awarded based on your academic performance or other talents (like sports, music, etc.). Check your university’s website for any automatic merit-based scholarships.
2. **Work-Study & On-Campus Jobs:** If your financial aid package includes work-study, it’s a great way to make extra money while on campus. Many schools also have on-campus jobs that can fit around your schedule.
3. **Private Scholarships:** You can apply to private scholarships through websites like Scholarship.com, Niche, or even local businesses and non-profits. Don’t be shy about applying to as many as you can!
4. **Financial Aid Offices:** Don’t forget to reach out to your school’s financial aid office if you have questions or need extra help. They can guide you to additional funding options, explain your award package, or give advice on next steps.
### **Step 5: The Path Ahead – Stay Chill, You’ve Got This**
You’re doing awesome, Alina. College applications, scholarships, and financial aid are all a huge process—but you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Pace yourself, break it down into small tasks, and keep ticking off those boxes.
And remember, you’re not alone! Most students feel overwhelmed with this stuff. Just keep going, ask for help when you need it, and don’t forget to *breathe*.
**Pro Tip for Mental Health:** Take breaks. Seriously. Dance it out, watch your favorite show, take a walk—whatever recharges you so you can tackle everything with fresh energy. 🔋✨
---
If you ever need more advice, tips, or just some good old-fashioned humor, hit me up! You’ve got this, Alina. Keep pushing forward, and good things are headed your way. 💪🌟