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Sanai
Student
Hollywood, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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How can I find and win more scholarships ?
As an incoming college student, I’m really interested in learning more about how to find and secure more scholarships to help cover my education expenses. What are some of the best strategies for discovering lesser-known scholarships, and how can I make my applications stand out to scholarship committees? Are there specific tips for writing strong personal statements or gathering recommendation letters that can make a real difference? Also, how important is maintaining a high GPA or participating in extracurricular activities when it comes to winning scholarships?
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1 answer
Pat Golden-Romero
Teach Hospitality/ Culinary Arts, College Admissions
24
Answers
Santa Cruz, California
Updated
Pat’s Answer
Hi Sanai, Answers to your questions : What are some of the best strategies for discovering lesser-known scholarships, and how can I make my applications stand out to scholarship committees? 1) Lesser known private scholarships: Fastweb.com & scholarships. com ( this one is becoming more popular) Apply to scholarships you may not think you qualify for as I hear repeatedly the Fastweb has scholarships that otherwise aren't awarded. Have a well written essay/ application which clearly states your career / academic field of interest, goals. Share your motivation for that career. If you have some personal family strive/challenge that you've overcome- share it ! If scholarship is for a specific industry/ career, then tailor your essay accordingly. If you've had some internship experience in field- share it. Check spelling & grammar!
Are there specific tips for writing strong personal statements or gathering recommendation letters that can make a real difference? 2) see above on statements. LOR should come from school counselors or teachers that really know you. Ask multiple people, as teachers get asked a lot & it may take time. If you've won any awards or been recognized for some achievement- ask the person who nominated you!
Also, how important is maintaining a high GPA or participating in extracurricular activities when it comes to winning scholarships? It depends, in part, on the GPA minimum for the school/ program you are applying to, example : a S.T.E.M. program requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Or other competitive programs or the school could require a 4.0 . If your school of choice has awarded a scholarship, mention that in the statement. There is no limit to the number /$ amount of scholarships! The school should have a scholarship page & also ask your HS college counselor for other resources within your town. Good Luck
Are there specific tips for writing strong personal statements or gathering recommendation letters that can make a real difference? 2) see above on statements. LOR should come from school counselors or teachers that really know you. Ask multiple people, as teachers get asked a lot & it may take time. If you've won any awards or been recognized for some achievement- ask the person who nominated you!
Also, how important is maintaining a high GPA or participating in extracurricular activities when it comes to winning scholarships? It depends, in part, on the GPA minimum for the school/ program you are applying to, example : a S.T.E.M. program requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Or other competitive programs or the school could require a 4.0 . If your school of choice has awarded a scholarship, mention that in the statement. There is no limit to the number /$ amount of scholarships! The school should have a scholarship page & also ask your HS college counselor for other resources within your town. Good Luck