2 answers
Maya
Student
Monterey, California
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best scholarship advice you have? I am planning to transfer this year, but I am unsure if I'll be able to afford college without loans. #Fall25
Not sure exactly where to put the hashtag #Fall25
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2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Maya,
Your first stop should be the FAFSA or CA Dream Act. FAFSA gives you access to federal and state financial aid. Many colleges also use it to determine your need as well. Talk to the Financial Office at the college you want to attend too. There might be scholarships you qualify for.
For promising scholarships, look what your state and your hometown offer. Some employers also have scholarship programs for children of employees or for their own employees. Check out scholarships from professional organizations, e.g. nursing scholarships for aspiring nurses. Research companies that would hire people with the degree you want to get, e.g. big tech companies if you are going into computer science. Check if your local Chamber of Commerce or any businesses have any programs. Search for scholarships that are for certain demographics, e.g. minorities, women in STEM, tall people, twins and multiples etc.
Some useful websites for your search:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
https://scholarships360.org/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
Some information specifically for California:
https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grant
https://www.calstate.edu/apply/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/Pages/scholarships.aspx
https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/grants-and-scholarship/
https://csumb.edu/admissions-aid/costs-financial-aid/financial-aid-types/scholarships/
https://www.svcf.org/scholarships/find-scholarships
I would recommend to be strategic about it. Don't wear yourself out by applying to anything and everything. Consider the requirements and your fit for each scholarship.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Your first stop should be the FAFSA or CA Dream Act. FAFSA gives you access to federal and state financial aid. Many colleges also use it to determine your need as well. Talk to the Financial Office at the college you want to attend too. There might be scholarships you qualify for.
For promising scholarships, look what your state and your hometown offer. Some employers also have scholarship programs for children of employees or for their own employees. Check out scholarships from professional organizations, e.g. nursing scholarships for aspiring nurses. Research companies that would hire people with the degree you want to get, e.g. big tech companies if you are going into computer science. Check if your local Chamber of Commerce or any businesses have any programs. Search for scholarships that are for certain demographics, e.g. minorities, women in STEM, tall people, twins and multiples etc.
Some useful websites for your search:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
https://scholarships360.org/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
Some information specifically for California:
https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grant
https://www.calstate.edu/apply/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/Pages/scholarships.aspx
https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/tuition-financial-aid/types-of-aid/grants-and-scholarship/
https://csumb.edu/admissions-aid/costs-financial-aid/financial-aid-types/scholarships/
https://www.svcf.org/scholarships/find-scholarships
I would recommend to be strategic about it. Don't wear yourself out by applying to anything and everything. Consider the requirements and your fit for each scholarship.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Maya. My advice is: start early, stay organized, and apply to as many scholarships as you can, even the small ones. Many students miss out because they wait too long or don't know where to look.
First, you can check with the college you plan to transfer to. Most schools have scholarships just for transfer students or based on your grades, major, or community involvement. You might visit the school's financial aid website or contact the admissions office to ask what's available. You might be surprised at how many options there are.
Next, you can look for scholarships outside of your college. There are thousands of them from organizations, businesses, and community groups. You can also look for scholarships related to your major, for example, business organizations often offer awards to students studying business.
When applying, you need to make your essays personal and specific. Explain your goals, why you're transferring, and how the scholarship will help you succeed. Be honest and show your passion for learning.
All the best.
First, you can check with the college you plan to transfer to. Most schools have scholarships just for transfer students or based on your grades, major, or community involvement. You might visit the school's financial aid website or contact the admissions office to ask what's available. You might be surprised at how many options there are.
Next, you can look for scholarships outside of your college. There are thousands of them from organizations, businesses, and community groups. You can also look for scholarships related to your major, for example, business organizations often offer awards to students studying business.
When applying, you need to make your essays personal and specific. Explain your goals, why you're transferring, and how the scholarship will help you succeed. Be honest and show your passion for learning.
All the best.