3 answers
5
Updated 776 views

Why are General Studies students so often overlooked for scholarships and opportunities, even when many of us have overcome incredible personal challenges just to stay in school—and how can I still stand out and be seen for the strength and purpose I bring? #Spring25

I'm a single mom of four boys and I am pursuing a General Studies degree.

college university education opportunities
Answer This
5

3 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Erin’s Answer

When applying for jobs and scholarships, highlight your skills and the challenges you've overcome. Search for unique and less common scholarships, especially those that are non-traditional. With a General Studies degree, show how it aligns with your career goals to potential employers and scholarship panels. Stay positive and keep looking—there are opportunities and scholarships waiting for you to discover them!

Erin recommends the following next steps:

a good place to start looking for scholarships is www.scholarships.com
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jeanine’s Answer

I think the key to standing out is owning your story. Don’t downplay the challenges you’ve faced—lean into them. Show how they’ve shaped you, how they’ve made you more focused, adaptable, and driven. Your major doesn’t define your value; your why does. If you can make that clear in your essays, interviews, or even when talking to professors, people will see it.

Also, don’t be afraid to go for things that might seem out of reach. Apply for scholarships, internships, all of it. Even if it’s not “for General Studies,” if you can tell your story well, you’ve got a shot. You bring something real—and that matters.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Jeanine. Keishonna
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Himma Indras’s Answer

Hi Keishonna,

Thank you for asking this—you're definitely not alone in feeling this way. General Studies degrees often get overlooked because they’re broad, and some scholarship providers or employers prefer fields with a more specific focus. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re working hard and juggling responsibilities like being a parent.

One thing you can do is highlight the specific skills and goals you're building within your General Studies program. Customize your applications to show how your degree fits into a bigger career vision. Also, look for scholarships and grants designed for non-traditional students, single parents, or adult learners—there are some great ones out there that don’t care about your major.

You’re doing something amazing for yourself and your family, so keep pushing forward!
0