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How can I ensure I can cover college with many scholarships?
I have applied to as many scholarships as possible, yet hope to be reached out again for more!
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
College Foundations connect many of their scholarships to specific subjects, activities, majors, ethnicities and classifications.
You might find scholarships for students who are first generation college students (neither parent has a college degree), students who are focusing their major on teaching, engineering or radiology, or students who might be hispanic in ethnicity.
Most of the time potential applicants can find nearly anything that fits into a classification or subject that defines them or their future goals.
All colleges and universities have foundations that offer scholarships. I would log into their website and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
You might find scholarships for students who are first generation college students (neither parent has a college degree), students who are focusing their major on teaching, engineering or radiology, or students who might be hispanic in ethnicity.
Most of the time potential applicants can find nearly anything that fits into a classification or subject that defines them or their future goals.
All colleges and universities have foundations that offer scholarships. I would log into their website and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
Updated
Aidan’s Answer
Start as early as possible (ideally sophomore year) by building a one‑page resume that highlights your grades, rigorous courses, leadership, work, and community service, because those details become copy‑and‑paste material for dozens of scholarship applications later. File the FAFSA every year the moment it opens so you stay in line for federal, state, and campus‑based aid, and learn each state’s or college’s extra forms or priority deadlines. Focus first on scholarships you’re uniquely qualified for—automatic merit packages and major‑specific awards at the colleges on your list, plus niche private scholarships tied to your heritage, career goals, service record, or special circumstances—because smaller, essay‑heavy awards stack up quickly. Keep the GPA or service hours required to renew awards, send thank‑you notes, and always keep one financial‑safety option—such as an affordable state school or a community college transfer path. I highly recommend the transfer path! It might be best to spend little to no money getting through entry level classes at the community college than spending money on a 4-year institution that will cost tens of thousands! But ultimately, treat the search like a part‑time job, track deadlines in a spreadsheet, apply broadly, and you’ll maximize free money and minimize the need for loans.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Ashley
Updated
Anita’s Answer
As others have shared, I recommend starting as early as possible and think local. You'd be surprised by the number of scholarships your local community offers! I applied to scholarships through the public library, credit union, YMCA, and more. It's definitely worth it to apply to smaller scholarships as well because all that money will add up and make a difference.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
Answers
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hey Ashley,
That’s great that you’re actively applying for scholarships! Covering college costs through scholarships takes persistence and a strategic approach. Here’s how to maximize your chances of getting as many scholarships as possible:
1. Apply Early and Often:
Keep Applying Year-Round:
Many students stop once they’ve been accepted to college, but there are scholarships available for all four years.
Set a Weekly Goal:
Aim to apply for at least 2-3 scholarships per week, even after you start college.
Apply to Local Scholarships:
Community organizations, local businesses, and clubs often offer less competitive scholarships.
2. Use Multiple Search Platforms:
Scholarship Databases:
Use websites like Fastweb, Cappex, Scholly, and Niche to find new opportunities.
School-Specific Scholarships:
Check your college’s financial aid office and departmental websites regularly.
Social Media Groups:
Join groups on Facebook or Reddit where people share scholarship opportunities.
Specialty Scholarships:
Look for scholarships based on your major, heritage, hobbies, or career goals.
3. Polish Your Application Materials:
Create a Master Essay:
Write a strong, general scholarship essay that you can adapt to various prompts.
Tailor Each Application:
Make small changes to fit the scholarship’s theme and requirements.
Highlight Leadership and Impact:
Emphasize your achievements, community involvement, and unique experiences.
Get Feedback:
Have a teacher or mentor review your essay for clarity and impact.
4. Follow Up and Stay in Touch:
Thank You Letters:
If you receive a scholarship, send a personalized thank-you note.
Build Relationships:
Stay in touch with scholarship committees or sponsors. Sometimes they offer renewable scholarships or recommend new ones.
Check for Renewability:
Some scholarships can be renewed annually if you maintain a certain GPA or involvement level.
5. Think Beyond Merit:
Need-Based Scholarships:
Even if you don’t qualify for federal aid, private need-based scholarships might still apply.
Creative and Niche Scholarships:
Some scholarships are awarded for creative submissions (like videos or artwork) rather than just grades.
Scholarships for Unique Traits:
There are awards for being left-handed, a twin, or even for having unique hobbies.
6. Be Persistent and Organized:
Track Deadlines:
Use a spreadsheet to track scholarship names, deadlines, and application statuses.
Reuse Application Materials:
Adapt essays and resumes rather than starting from scratch each time.
Stay Motivated:
Don’t get discouraged by rejections—every application increases your chances!
7. Keep Your Profile Up to Date:
Update Your Resume Regularly:
Include new accomplishments, leadership roles, or awards.
Build a Personal Website:
Showcase your achievements, projects, and a little about your career goals.
Social Media Presence:
Make sure your LinkedIn and other professional profiles reflect your academic and extracurricular successes.
8. Consider Employer or Corporate Scholarships:
Parent’s Workplace:
Many companies offer scholarships for employees’ children.
Corporate Programs:
Companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Google offer scholarships for students pursuing various fields.
Work-Study Options:
Some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement if you work for them part-time during college.
That’s great that you’re actively applying for scholarships! Covering college costs through scholarships takes persistence and a strategic approach. Here’s how to maximize your chances of getting as many scholarships as possible:
1. Apply Early and Often:
Keep Applying Year-Round:
Many students stop once they’ve been accepted to college, but there are scholarships available for all four years.
Set a Weekly Goal:
Aim to apply for at least 2-3 scholarships per week, even after you start college.
Apply to Local Scholarships:
Community organizations, local businesses, and clubs often offer less competitive scholarships.
2. Use Multiple Search Platforms:
Scholarship Databases:
Use websites like Fastweb, Cappex, Scholly, and Niche to find new opportunities.
School-Specific Scholarships:
Check your college’s financial aid office and departmental websites regularly.
Social Media Groups:
Join groups on Facebook or Reddit where people share scholarship opportunities.
Specialty Scholarships:
Look for scholarships based on your major, heritage, hobbies, or career goals.
3. Polish Your Application Materials:
Create a Master Essay:
Write a strong, general scholarship essay that you can adapt to various prompts.
Tailor Each Application:
Make small changes to fit the scholarship’s theme and requirements.
Highlight Leadership and Impact:
Emphasize your achievements, community involvement, and unique experiences.
Get Feedback:
Have a teacher or mentor review your essay for clarity and impact.
4. Follow Up and Stay in Touch:
Thank You Letters:
If you receive a scholarship, send a personalized thank-you note.
Build Relationships:
Stay in touch with scholarship committees or sponsors. Sometimes they offer renewable scholarships or recommend new ones.
Check for Renewability:
Some scholarships can be renewed annually if you maintain a certain GPA or involvement level.
5. Think Beyond Merit:
Need-Based Scholarships:
Even if you don’t qualify for federal aid, private need-based scholarships might still apply.
Creative and Niche Scholarships:
Some scholarships are awarded for creative submissions (like videos or artwork) rather than just grades.
Scholarships for Unique Traits:
There are awards for being left-handed, a twin, or even for having unique hobbies.
6. Be Persistent and Organized:
Track Deadlines:
Use a spreadsheet to track scholarship names, deadlines, and application statuses.
Reuse Application Materials:
Adapt essays and resumes rather than starting from scratch each time.
Stay Motivated:
Don’t get discouraged by rejections—every application increases your chances!
7. Keep Your Profile Up to Date:
Update Your Resume Regularly:
Include new accomplishments, leadership roles, or awards.
Build a Personal Website:
Showcase your achievements, projects, and a little about your career goals.
Social Media Presence:
Make sure your LinkedIn and other professional profiles reflect your academic and extracurricular successes.
8. Consider Employer or Corporate Scholarships:
Parent’s Workplace:
Many companies offer scholarships for employees’ children.
Corporate Programs:
Companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Google offer scholarships for students pursuing various fields.
Work-Study Options:
Some employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement if you work for them part-time during college.
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Hi Ashley!
No matter where you choose to go to college, there are always exciting opportunities to get involved and earn more scholarships! Many universities have generous alumni who donate to grants, helping students like you succeed in their studies. My sister managed to cover her entire college tuition with scholarships and found her career path through the organizations and internships she joined! Participating in internship programs can also lead to scholarships, and some are even paid!
If you're comfortable, I highly recommend reaching out to your financial aid office. They have a wealth of resources and know about various grants and scholarships that students might not be aware of. Don't miss out on these opportunities!
No matter where you choose to go to college, there are always exciting opportunities to get involved and earn more scholarships! Many universities have generous alumni who donate to grants, helping students like you succeed in their studies. My sister managed to cover her entire college tuition with scholarships and found her career path through the organizations and internships she joined! Participating in internship programs can also lead to scholarships, and some are even paid!
If you're comfortable, I highly recommend reaching out to your financial aid office. They have a wealth of resources and know about various grants and scholarships that students might not be aware of. Don't miss out on these opportunities!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Ashley
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
look into as many different scholarships sources as you can and think outside the box
does your parents employer offer something, same for your church.
if you're planning to go into a specific field, what professional or social associations are there for that field.
As someone else wrote set goals and continue to apply.
Also consider part time work while at school. Some employers like Dollar Bank in Pittsburgh offer tuition assistance for their part time employees. Employers will sometime use part time workers for the lack of a better phase to field test potential employees. Using the tuition reimbursement as a way to bring to future full-time candidates and find out there might be a future fit.
does your parents employer offer something, same for your church.
if you're planning to go into a specific field, what professional or social associations are there for that field.
As someone else wrote set goals and continue to apply.
Also consider part time work while at school. Some employers like Dollar Bank in Pittsburgh offer tuition assistance for their part time employees. Employers will sometime use part time workers for the lack of a better phase to field test potential employees. Using the tuition reimbursement as a way to bring to future full-time candidates and find out there might be a future fit.