4 answers
Sophia
Student
Odessa, Texas
1
Question
4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1058
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Much of successful scholarship attainment, has to do with where you look for the scholarships. They can come from two primary sources, either private or public. One area people might not know about is the College Foundation option, at local colleges and universities.
College Foundations, manage the college endowment, but they also supervise private scholarship donations, and connect many of their scholarships to specific subjects, activities, majors, ethnicities and classifications. These are normally scholarships, that are supported by private individuals or businesses.
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, science subjects, engineering, social sciences, humanities, STEM subjects, or students who might be of a certain 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 the website (of the college you are attending or wishing to attend), and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
College Foundations, manage the college endowment, but they also supervise private scholarship donations, and connect many of their scholarships to specific subjects, activities, majors, ethnicities and classifications. These are normally scholarships, that are supported by private individuals or businesses.
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, science subjects, engineering, social sciences, humanities, STEM subjects, or students who might be of a certain 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 the website (of the college you are attending or wishing to attend), and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sophia !
Yes, applying for scholarships can feel like a part time job because it does take focus and time to read the lists of scholarships before applying.
There are going to be many tasks expected of you in college and there is no easy peasy way to short cut most things. Scholarships will benefit you, helping with college costs, and it's one of the most important things that you can do right now: dedicate the time it takes to apply to lots of scholarships to increase your chances of getting some.
Because it is, in essence, free money, you more or less do have to put some work in. Now is a good time to use applying for scholarships to hone your self-discipline skills that you will need for college. Schedule for yourself three days a week (or more if needed) and a time slot dedicated to only researching and applying for scholarships. It's very easy these days because you get to do it through the internet. When I was in school, the only way that I knew about scholarships was if a teacher or college professor told me of them. So you have it easy already by having the information at your finger tips online. Do a search for Scholarship Websites and keep notes of the ones that you apply for so you can keep track of them.
The Odessa Chamber of Commerce runs the Texas Scholars program, which is open to students in grades 9–12 who complete at least 50 volunteer hours with approved local organizations in Ector County, so look into this. The Odessa College Foundation offers a range of scholarships based on financial need, GPA, and major, with applications submitted through a General Scholarship Application. Contact them as soon as possible. Odessa High School’s Xello platform, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce website, and external platforms like CampusReel, which lists 651 scholarships are also good resources for local scholarships.
Each scholarship application requirement is different, so send in only the information that the particular scholarship asks for, nothing less and nothing more. Having your college funded with scholarships is well worth the time you put in to apply for many.
You didn't mention exactly what is making it difficult for you to apply for scholarships. Applying is an important part of preparing for college so treat every application as if it's important. Transitioning from high school to college sometimes means setting priorities and doing the things that will benefit you in the long run, not the fun you could have in the moment instead. Try not to rush through it. Take your time and treat each scholarship individually. Some scholarships do not ask for much and some may ask for a few things. As you apply for each scholarship, think about how much of a crucial benefit it will be if you are chosen for some.
So make a schedule of days and time slots when you will focus solely on applying. You can do the reading about scholarships online and I assume you can apply online too (I have never seen a modern scholarship application). I went to college many decades ago and all they asked for back then was a long essay, there was no "application" per se.
The sooner you start, the more you can apply for and be ahead of the game and possibly be in the forefront to be considered for some scholarships. Once you do two or three it will become second nature to you and you will not mind it much. Don't give up. I think you can do it and it will be a foundational experience for doing it each year to help out with college expenses.
Wishing you all the best !
Yes, applying for scholarships can feel like a part time job because it does take focus and time to read the lists of scholarships before applying.
There are going to be many tasks expected of you in college and there is no easy peasy way to short cut most things. Scholarships will benefit you, helping with college costs, and it's one of the most important things that you can do right now: dedicate the time it takes to apply to lots of scholarships to increase your chances of getting some.
Because it is, in essence, free money, you more or less do have to put some work in. Now is a good time to use applying for scholarships to hone your self-discipline skills that you will need for college. Schedule for yourself three days a week (or more if needed) and a time slot dedicated to only researching and applying for scholarships. It's very easy these days because you get to do it through the internet. When I was in school, the only way that I knew about scholarships was if a teacher or college professor told me of them. So you have it easy already by having the information at your finger tips online. Do a search for Scholarship Websites and keep notes of the ones that you apply for so you can keep track of them.
The Odessa Chamber of Commerce runs the Texas Scholars program, which is open to students in grades 9–12 who complete at least 50 volunteer hours with approved local organizations in Ector County, so look into this. The Odessa College Foundation offers a range of scholarships based on financial need, GPA, and major, with applications submitted through a General Scholarship Application. Contact them as soon as possible. Odessa High School’s Xello platform, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce website, and external platforms like CampusReel, which lists 651 scholarships are also good resources for local scholarships.
Each scholarship application requirement is different, so send in only the information that the particular scholarship asks for, nothing less and nothing more. Having your college funded with scholarships is well worth the time you put in to apply for many.
You didn't mention exactly what is making it difficult for you to apply for scholarships. Applying is an important part of preparing for college so treat every application as if it's important. Transitioning from high school to college sometimes means setting priorities and doing the things that will benefit you in the long run, not the fun you could have in the moment instead. Try not to rush through it. Take your time and treat each scholarship individually. Some scholarships do not ask for much and some may ask for a few things. As you apply for each scholarship, think about how much of a crucial benefit it will be if you are chosen for some.
So make a schedule of days and time slots when you will focus solely on applying. You can do the reading about scholarships online and I assume you can apply online too (I have never seen a modern scholarship application). I went to college many decades ago and all they asked for back then was a long essay, there was no "application" per se.
The sooner you start, the more you can apply for and be ahead of the game and possibly be in the forefront to be considered for some scholarships. Once you do two or three it will become second nature to you and you will not mind it much. Don't give up. I think you can do it and it will be a foundational experience for doing it each year to help out with college expenses.
Wishing you all the best !
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Sophia. You should focus on scholarships that fit you. In other words, pick the ones where you meet most of the requirements. This gives you a better chance to win. Also, look for small or local scholarships as they usually have fewer applicants, so it's easier to get them.
You should also prepare your documents ahead of time. Most scholarships ask for similar things, like transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays. Additionally, make a resume and a general essay about your goals and achievements. You can change them slightly for each application. Besides, you can ask teachers or mentors for letters of recommendation early so they have enough time to write a strong one.
When writing essays, answer the question carefully. Scholarship committees want to know about you and why you deserve the money. You need to tell your story clearly and include details that show who you are, and always proofread your essays or ask someone to check them for mistakes.
By staying organized, picking the right scholarships, and preparing your materials ahead, the process becomes much easier and you increase your chances of winning financial support for your education. Good luck.
You should also prepare your documents ahead of time. Most scholarships ask for similar things, like transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays. Additionally, make a resume and a general essay about your goals and achievements. You can change them slightly for each application. Besides, you can ask teachers or mentors for letters of recommendation early so they have enough time to write a strong one.
When writing essays, answer the question carefully. Scholarship committees want to know about you and why you deserve the money. You need to tell your story clearly and include details that show who you are, and always proofread your essays or ask someone to check them for mistakes.
By staying organized, picking the right scholarships, and preparing your materials ahead, the process becomes much easier and you increase your chances of winning financial support for your education. Good luck.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
519
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
As scholarships are highly competitive, focus on those that align with your achievements and career goals, especially when considering schools like Rice University in Houston or Texas A&M University in College Station. Apply early and broadly, including both merit-based and need‑based scholarships, as many universities, such as Rice, meet 100 % of demonstrated financial need. You can also target niche scholarships that match your background or talents, as these often have fewer applicants. Highlight your unique story, personal challenges, or passions, and present your application professionally with clear, well-formatted materials.
Tailor each essay to reflect the scholarship’s mission while showcasing your leadership, community impact, and accomplishments. Adapting a few core personal statements for multiple applications saves time and ensures consistency. Keep all documents polished and proofread, and include strong letters of recommendation. Maintain a detailed system to track deadlines, drafts, and submissions, ensuring your process stays organized.
If an application is rejected, treat it as a learning opportunity: identify gaps and reapply after addressing them. Seeking feedback from mentors or past recipients can help refine your narrative. Approach each application as a chance to showcase your personal brand, making yourself stand out as a competitive candidate. With careful planning, focused effort, and polished materials, especially when applying to need-aware institutions like Rice University or Texas A&M University, the scholarship process becomes more efficient and effective.
Tailor each essay to reflect the scholarship’s mission while showcasing your leadership, community impact, and accomplishments. Adapting a few core personal statements for multiple applications saves time and ensures consistency. Keep all documents polished and proofread, and include strong letters of recommendation. Maintain a detailed system to track deadlines, drafts, and submissions, ensuring your process stays organized.
If an application is rejected, treat it as a learning opportunity: identify gaps and reapply after addressing them. Seeking feedback from mentors or past recipients can help refine your narrative. Approach each application as a chance to showcase your personal brand, making yourself stand out as a competitive candidate. With careful planning, focused effort, and polished materials, especially when applying to need-aware institutions like Rice University or Texas A&M University, the scholarship process becomes more efficient and effective.