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?
3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Paul’s Answer
Each college and university usually has something called a "College Foundation" where you can log into, from the college or university webpage and review their financial aid and scholarship assistance.
Private donors and benefactors, support college and university programs, and amongst their financial gifts are scholarships and financial assistance for students.
These scholarships can come in many forms, they can be based on major, future occupation, college or non-profit activities, ethnicity, and other criteria.
So, the college or university College Foundation, is always worth checking, as far as an online option.
Joseph’s Answer
https://www.collegeboard.org/
and
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/find-your-fit/what-colleges-require-SAT
Pat Golden-Romero
Pat’s Answer
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