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what can i do to improve my chances at winning scholarships?
I would like more financial counseling advice as well as resources with scholarship information.
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Niha’s Answer
There are several things you can do to improve your chances at winning scholarships.
1) Make sure your grades are above average. Most scholarships that are academic based kick in above a 3.5 GPA. Many scholarships offered through universities and colleges will only look at applications above a certain GPA, unless there are pretty big extenuating circumstances. Some colleges will even automatically offer scholarships if you hit a specific GPA. Always do scholarship research on the places you want to go. Don't be afraid to email or even call the numbers they have listed on those pages for more information.
2) Choose extra curriculars you are actually passionate about. It's important to show that you're involved with the world outside of school. Scholarships are more likely to go to people who are either hyper intelligent and "geniuses" in their field, or people who are well rounded; most people fall into the second category. But don't blindly join every club you can to put on your resume. More and more colleges are beginning to move into holistic applications; they create questions designed to ensure people are actually interested in the clubs they've supposedly been in. Extracurriculars can be anything from the Debate team at school to creating an Art Appreciation club to being a modern dancer for X number of years. Pick one or two things you actually like, because this will lead into #3.
3) There are online scholarships for all sorts of things. Be aware and do research before you sign up for them (make sure they are not scams! No scholarship site should be asking for social security for example), but don't be afraid to apply for as many as you want (or can afford financially or time wise). Use your interests to find scholarships! [For example, if you've played an instrument for the X years, look for scholarships for students with an interest in music].
4) If you are interested in a specific university or program, look into mentorship programs. Middle school and high school students can often get mentorship from college students about the application process. Those students will have the most recent information regarding scholarships. If not, they can help direct you to whoever does.
5) Talk to your teachers/counselors if you are comfortable with that. Part of their job is to help you succeed. They may have past graduates from your school they're in touch with, or even just another teacher who had a kid who just went there. People talk to each other. Making yourself a part of the network can be really helpful.
6) Just apply. Especially if applying for a scholarship is free. As long as you meet the criteria, APPLY. The worst that happens is they say no. Keep a base template or two of what you would talk about in any scholarship essay so you can save a little time!
Financial advice:
1) If you have a specific place in mind you want to go, look up their trending costs so you have an idea of what costs will look like when you are a student there (costs are only going up, so be wary of this!).
a) Tuition: Is it based on per credit, or is it a flat rate, or a mix of both?
b) Will you be living on or near campus? Is the cost per month, leased for the school year, or per full calendar year?
c) Do you plan to cook? Eat on campus? Do you need a food plan to eat on campus or is it cheaper to pay per meal with cash/card?
d) Will any classes require materials? Where can I find textbooks? Is there a place to sell textbooks after I'm done with them?
e) Will there be campus events that I want to go to? Will I have club fees? Clothing fees? Do I want university merchandise?
2) Begin saving. Whether that is working (which can become an extra curricular activity if you are able to gain skills at this job such as communicating with others, working in difficult or fast paced environments, increasing ability to adapt on the fly, etc), or winning radio contests!
3) Depending on your age and your relationship with your guardian/parent, look into matching programs. Some companies encourage parents and students to save with them for college and they will match a certain amount of what you put in.
4) Look into loans early. Find a bank that you trust, that you and/or your parents/guardians have an account with. Look at their website, call them, find out what loans are or will be available to you as a college student. Look into how much the loan will give you, how soon you will be expected to pay back, and what the interest rates are. Ask questions about expectations during college, as some will can require your grades to be at a specific level, you to take summer courses, and may encourage you work while in school to pay them off.
Resources:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/how-to-find-scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/how-to-find-and-secure-scholarships-for-college
https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/college-scholarships/apply-for-scholarships/
https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/how-to-apply-for-scholarships
1) Make sure your grades are above average. Most scholarships that are academic based kick in above a 3.5 GPA. Many scholarships offered through universities and colleges will only look at applications above a certain GPA, unless there are pretty big extenuating circumstances. Some colleges will even automatically offer scholarships if you hit a specific GPA. Always do scholarship research on the places you want to go. Don't be afraid to email or even call the numbers they have listed on those pages for more information.
2) Choose extra curriculars you are actually passionate about. It's important to show that you're involved with the world outside of school. Scholarships are more likely to go to people who are either hyper intelligent and "geniuses" in their field, or people who are well rounded; most people fall into the second category. But don't blindly join every club you can to put on your resume. More and more colleges are beginning to move into holistic applications; they create questions designed to ensure people are actually interested in the clubs they've supposedly been in. Extracurriculars can be anything from the Debate team at school to creating an Art Appreciation club to being a modern dancer for X number of years. Pick one or two things you actually like, because this will lead into #3.
3) There are online scholarships for all sorts of things. Be aware and do research before you sign up for them (make sure they are not scams! No scholarship site should be asking for social security for example), but don't be afraid to apply for as many as you want (or can afford financially or time wise). Use your interests to find scholarships! [For example, if you've played an instrument for the X years, look for scholarships for students with an interest in music].
4) If you are interested in a specific university or program, look into mentorship programs. Middle school and high school students can often get mentorship from college students about the application process. Those students will have the most recent information regarding scholarships. If not, they can help direct you to whoever does.
5) Talk to your teachers/counselors if you are comfortable with that. Part of their job is to help you succeed. They may have past graduates from your school they're in touch with, or even just another teacher who had a kid who just went there. People talk to each other. Making yourself a part of the network can be really helpful.
6) Just apply. Especially if applying for a scholarship is free. As long as you meet the criteria, APPLY. The worst that happens is they say no. Keep a base template or two of what you would talk about in any scholarship essay so you can save a little time!
Financial advice:
1) If you have a specific place in mind you want to go, look up their trending costs so you have an idea of what costs will look like when you are a student there (costs are only going up, so be wary of this!).
a) Tuition: Is it based on per credit, or is it a flat rate, or a mix of both?
b) Will you be living on or near campus? Is the cost per month, leased for the school year, or per full calendar year?
c) Do you plan to cook? Eat on campus? Do you need a food plan to eat on campus or is it cheaper to pay per meal with cash/card?
d) Will any classes require materials? Where can I find textbooks? Is there a place to sell textbooks after I'm done with them?
e) Will there be campus events that I want to go to? Will I have club fees? Clothing fees? Do I want university merchandise?
2) Begin saving. Whether that is working (which can become an extra curricular activity if you are able to gain skills at this job such as communicating with others, working in difficult or fast paced environments, increasing ability to adapt on the fly, etc), or winning radio contests!
3) Depending on your age and your relationship with your guardian/parent, look into matching programs. Some companies encourage parents and students to save with them for college and they will match a certain amount of what you put in.
4) Look into loans early. Find a bank that you trust, that you and/or your parents/guardians have an account with. Look at their website, call them, find out what loans are or will be available to you as a college student. Look into how much the loan will give you, how soon you will be expected to pay back, and what the interest rates are. Ask questions about expectations during college, as some will can require your grades to be at a specific level, you to take summer courses, and may encourage you work while in school to pay them off.
Resources:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/how-to-find-scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/how-to-find-and-secure-scholarships-for-college
https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/college-scholarships/apply-for-scholarships/
https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/how-to-apply-for-scholarships
Updated
Marshall’s Answer
Sophia
I would be sure to start by applying for as many as you possibly can, even if they are for small amounts such as $50.
Many of them you can see past winners as well online, that will give you some insight as to what the level of expectation is to win.
Be sure that your Essay, story, images or other item that is required for the competition is your best and better than anyone else's.
You can search local (which will be higher chance for success as there is less competition) and national. Maybe companies that are in your industry of choice have a program, visit their websites or give them a call and ask if they have a scholarship program. Google can be your friend here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=scholarships+for+high+school+seniors&oq=scholorships&aqs=chrome.3.69i57j0i10i131i433i512j0i10i433i512j0i10i512l7.4290j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
I would be sure to start by applying for as many as you possibly can, even if they are for small amounts such as $50.
Many of them you can see past winners as well online, that will give you some insight as to what the level of expectation is to win.
Be sure that your Essay, story, images or other item that is required for the competition is your best and better than anyone else's.
You can search local (which will be higher chance for success as there is less competition) and national. Maybe companies that are in your industry of choice have a program, visit their websites or give them a call and ask if they have a scholarship program. Google can be your friend here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=scholarships+for+high+school+seniors&oq=scholorships&aqs=chrome.3.69i57j0i10i131i433i512j0i10i433i512j0i10i512l7.4290j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8