3 answers
Christian
Student
McDonough, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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How should I prioritize what scholarships I apply to I only have so much time to apply for scholarships, and I don't want to waste time on time things that, even though I quality for, I realistically won't win?
How should I prioritize what scholarships I apply to? I only have so much time to apply for scholarships, and I don't want to waste time on time things that, even though I quality for, I realistically won't win?
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would consider looking for potential scholarships at the University College Foundation because this is an area that many people ay not know about.
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.
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.
George Katsinis - AFC®
Personal Financial Counselor
53
Answers
Salem, Oregon
Updated
George’s Answer
It's FREE MONEY for your education.
The dollar return per hour invested is SUBSTANTIAL,
GET TO WORK!
Most all scholarship applications want the same basic "stuff". Write one master essay about who you are, your situation, your accomplishments, your goals and dreams, why your major/career field interests you, and why you're a "good investment". This same essay can be cut-and-paste/tweaked a bit and used over, and over, and over again.
Really, GET TO WORK
The dollar return per hour invested is SUBSTANTIAL,
GET TO WORK!
Most all scholarship applications want the same basic "stuff". Write one master essay about who you are, your situation, your accomplishments, your goals and dreams, why your major/career field interests you, and why you're a "good investment". This same essay can be cut-and-paste/tweaked a bit and used over, and over, and over again.
George recommends the following next steps:
Jessica Uviovo
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
When applying for scholarships, consider these questions:
- How many people apply? Check last year's entries to see how many applied. This helps you understand your chances. You might want to deprioritize scholarships with many applicants.
- Is the application process simple or complex? Easy applications, like "one-click" for $50,000, attract many people, making it hard to win. Complex applications may have fewer applicants, but consider if it's worth the time based on your eligibility and the award amount.
Focus on scholarships where you have a better chance of winning. The "winning formula" for what scholarships to prioritize is based on eligibility, applicant pool and time spent applying. Usually that sweet spot is local scholarships (e.g. local banks, churches, non-profits, etc.), school or major-specific scholarships, diversity scholarships, etc. These are less known and have specific eligibility criteria (specific town, school, major, interests, income level), giving you a better chance to stand out. You can find them by searching their websites, joining their mailing lists, word of mouth, etc.
- How many people apply? Check last year's entries to see how many applied. This helps you understand your chances. You might want to deprioritize scholarships with many applicants.
- Is the application process simple or complex? Easy applications, like "one-click" for $50,000, attract many people, making it hard to win. Complex applications may have fewer applicants, but consider if it's worth the time based on your eligibility and the award amount.
Focus on scholarships where you have a better chance of winning. The "winning formula" for what scholarships to prioritize is based on eligibility, applicant pool and time spent applying. Usually that sweet spot is local scholarships (e.g. local banks, churches, non-profits, etc.), school or major-specific scholarships, diversity scholarships, etc. These are less known and have specific eligibility criteria (specific town, school, major, interests, income level), giving you a better chance to stand out. You can find them by searching their websites, joining their mailing lists, word of mouth, etc.