3 answers
nia
Student
Independence, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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How do I qualify to get into a HBCU on a full scholar ship?
I want to go to a hbcu when I go to college but I want to go on a full scholar ship. How would I qualify for that? Is there anything I can do now? Im 15 almost 16 and im a sophomore in hs.
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3 answers
Gabriel Hennsssey
Financial Aid Administrator
71
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
Hello, Nia! I've worked in financial aid for over twenty years now. I have counterparts at many schools in a few different states that I have had the pleasure of getting to know, and trust, throughout the years.
Full scholarship...that is a loaded term. I will share with you what I know and have experienced...and I hope it's a discussion you can have with family or whatever support system you have.
There is no golden ticket that says you are going to get a free ride (no out-of-pocket) at ANY institution. Colleges and Universities make decisions about awarding scholarships on an annual basis. These are typically proprietary and not published. I worked at a school that gave you a free ride if your ACT was a 28 or higher...but only for a two year span. Then the award was decreased in future years. I have worked for a school that covered your tuition if you lived in a certain city/township...based on them wanting to expand into that market. Then there are the extracurricular activities...I've seen tuition AND housing covered for kids that can hit three-pointers or block a defensive tackle every time. I didn't have support when I went to college and I want to make sure you go into it prepared. There is NO formula/plan you can follow. You are at the mercy of the scholarship guidelines of the schools you are applying to.
Test scores and extra-curricular activities/athletics can be helpful but even then...there is no 100% guarantee. Now...to turn from being a downer...there are MANY schools...that will allow you to not have to pay out-of-pocket. The term is "financial gap". (I'm gonna be drummed out of the club for sharing that...). First and foremost, you need to fill out a FAFSA. And you are SO lucky you're a sophomore...cause the Department of Ed. just changed the FAFSA formula this year. Many schools will award you a Pell Grant, if eligible, and a state grant (if going to school in-state). The majority of community colleges will have your tuition covered by this, and possibly a loan. (It's a regional thing.)
I am so grateful that you are asking these questions now...it shows you've got focus. Before you start senior year...fastweb.com and scholarships.com...APPLY!!! So much money ends up not being awarded. And not all scholarships are for brand new freshman. Tips - NEVER pay to apply for a scholarship...and since they are free services they sometimes come with junk mail (for lack of a better term...) so maybe create an e-mail account JUST for scholarships...so you can go through it once a week and not have it clog your normal inbox.
Also - Don't use your high school e-mail address on FAFSA or college applications!!! Many high schools shut those addresses off when you graduate...so you'll never see them.
Sorry I didn't have the golden ticket, but I hope I was able to help a little bit. My esteemed colleagues here can call me out if I'm wrong on something...
You got this...
Full scholarship...that is a loaded term. I will share with you what I know and have experienced...and I hope it's a discussion you can have with family or whatever support system you have.
There is no golden ticket that says you are going to get a free ride (no out-of-pocket) at ANY institution. Colleges and Universities make decisions about awarding scholarships on an annual basis. These are typically proprietary and not published. I worked at a school that gave you a free ride if your ACT was a 28 or higher...but only for a two year span. Then the award was decreased in future years. I have worked for a school that covered your tuition if you lived in a certain city/township...based on them wanting to expand into that market. Then there are the extracurricular activities...I've seen tuition AND housing covered for kids that can hit three-pointers or block a defensive tackle every time. I didn't have support when I went to college and I want to make sure you go into it prepared. There is NO formula/plan you can follow. You are at the mercy of the scholarship guidelines of the schools you are applying to.
Test scores and extra-curricular activities/athletics can be helpful but even then...there is no 100% guarantee. Now...to turn from being a downer...there are MANY schools...that will allow you to not have to pay out-of-pocket. The term is "financial gap". (I'm gonna be drummed out of the club for sharing that...). First and foremost, you need to fill out a FAFSA. And you are SO lucky you're a sophomore...cause the Department of Ed. just changed the FAFSA formula this year. Many schools will award you a Pell Grant, if eligible, and a state grant (if going to school in-state). The majority of community colleges will have your tuition covered by this, and possibly a loan. (It's a regional thing.)
I am so grateful that you are asking these questions now...it shows you've got focus. Before you start senior year...fastweb.com and scholarships.com...APPLY!!! So much money ends up not being awarded. And not all scholarships are for brand new freshman. Tips - NEVER pay to apply for a scholarship...and since they are free services they sometimes come with junk mail (for lack of a better term...) so maybe create an e-mail account JUST for scholarships...so you can go through it once a week and not have it clog your normal inbox.
Also - Don't use your high school e-mail address on FAFSA or college applications!!! Many high schools shut those addresses off when you graduate...so you'll never see them.
Sorry I didn't have the golden ticket, but I hope I was able to help a little bit. My esteemed colleagues here can call me out if I'm wrong on something...
You got this...
simone Allen
Financial Analyst
2
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
simone’s Answer
Hello Nia,
Once you've decided on the Historically Black College or University (HBCU) you wish to attend, I suggest you begin your scholarship search by exploring the university's official website. More specifically, focus on the scholarships that are provided by the department relevant to your chosen major. I can share from my personal experience, as I attended an HBCU named North Carolina A&T. I was fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship for my studies, thanks to the department-specific scholarships for my major, which was accounting.
Once you've decided on the Historically Black College or University (HBCU) you wish to attend, I suggest you begin your scholarship search by exploring the university's official website. More specifically, focus on the scholarships that are provided by the department relevant to your chosen major. I can share from my personal experience, as I attended an HBCU named North Carolina A&T. I was fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship for my studies, thanks to the department-specific scholarships for my major, which was accounting.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3754
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Nia,
Qualifying for a Full Scholarship to an HBCU
Earning a full scholarship to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) involves a combination of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, community service, and often financial need. Here are the steps and considerations to improve your chances of receiving a full scholarship:
1. Academic Excellence
Maintain High GPA: Aim for the highest GPA possible. Many scholarships have a minimum GPA requirement, often around 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Take Challenging Courses: Enroll in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, or dual enrollment courses if available.
Achieve High Standardized Test Scores: Prepare for and excel in standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Some full scholarships use these scores as eligibility criteria.
2. Extracurricular Activities
Leadership Roles: Assume leadership positions in clubs, sports teams, or student government.
Community Service: Engage in meaningful community service projects that demonstrate your commitment to service and civic engagement.
Talents and Skills: Develop any special talents or skills you have, such as music, art, sports, or debate, which could make you eligible for talent-based scholarships.
3. Research Specific Scholarships
Institutional Scholarships: Many HBCUs offer their own full-tuition scholarships. Research each HBCU’s scholarship page to understand their specific criteria.
External Scholarships: Look for scholarships offered by organizations outside of colleges that specifically target students planning to attend HBCUs.
Merit-Based vs. Need-Based: Know the difference between merit-based scholarships (based on your achievements) and need-based scholarships (based on your financial situation).
4. Apply Early
Early Decision/Early Action: Some schools offer better financial aid packages to students who apply early.
Scholarship Deadlines: Keep track of scholarship application deadlines and apply as soon as possible.
5. Essays and Interviews
Craft Compelling Essays: Write essays that reflect your personality, achievements, and aspirations.
Prepare for Interviews: If an interview is required, prepare thoroughly by researching common questions and practicing your responses.
6. Letters of Recommendation
Cultivate Relationships: Build strong relationships with teachers, counselors, and community leaders who can write you powerful letters of recommendation.
7. Financial Need
FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for need-based scholarships.
8. Stay Informed
Subscribe to Scholarship Databases: Use scholarship search engines and databases to find opportunities.
Attend College Fairs: Participate in college fairs where you can meet representatives from HBCUs and learn about their scholarship options.
9. Networking
Alumni Connections: Reach out to alumni of the HBCU you’re interested in who may know of scholarship opportunities.
Professional Organizations: Join organizations related to your field of interest that might offer scholarships.
10. Consistency and Persistence
Keep Applying: Apply for multiple scholarships every year throughout high school.
Follow Up: After submitting applications, follow up with scholarship committees if appropriate to demonstrate your interest.
By starting early in your high school career and focusing on these areas, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a full scholarship to an HBCU.
At the bottom of this comprehensive detail on how to qualify for a full scholarship at an HBCU, here are the:
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
The College Board
A reputable organization that provides detailed information on college admissions processes, including SAT testing information which is relevant for college applications and some scholarship criteria.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The official government site for the FAFSA process which is crucial for determining financial need and potential eligibility for need-based scholarships.
Scholarship Search Engines (e.g., Fastweb, Scholarships.com)
These search engines compile thousands of scholarship opportunities from various sources and provide tools for students to find scholarships they may be eligible for based on their profiles.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.
Qualifying for a Full Scholarship to an HBCU
Earning a full scholarship to a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) involves a combination of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, community service, and often financial need. Here are the steps and considerations to improve your chances of receiving a full scholarship:
1. Academic Excellence
Maintain High GPA: Aim for the highest GPA possible. Many scholarships have a minimum GPA requirement, often around 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Take Challenging Courses: Enroll in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, or dual enrollment courses if available.
Achieve High Standardized Test Scores: Prepare for and excel in standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Some full scholarships use these scores as eligibility criteria.
2. Extracurricular Activities
Leadership Roles: Assume leadership positions in clubs, sports teams, or student government.
Community Service: Engage in meaningful community service projects that demonstrate your commitment to service and civic engagement.
Talents and Skills: Develop any special talents or skills you have, such as music, art, sports, or debate, which could make you eligible for talent-based scholarships.
3. Research Specific Scholarships
Institutional Scholarships: Many HBCUs offer their own full-tuition scholarships. Research each HBCU’s scholarship page to understand their specific criteria.
External Scholarships: Look for scholarships offered by organizations outside of colleges that specifically target students planning to attend HBCUs.
Merit-Based vs. Need-Based: Know the difference between merit-based scholarships (based on your achievements) and need-based scholarships (based on your financial situation).
4. Apply Early
Early Decision/Early Action: Some schools offer better financial aid packages to students who apply early.
Scholarship Deadlines: Keep track of scholarship application deadlines and apply as soon as possible.
5. Essays and Interviews
Craft Compelling Essays: Write essays that reflect your personality, achievements, and aspirations.
Prepare for Interviews: If an interview is required, prepare thoroughly by researching common questions and practicing your responses.
6. Letters of Recommendation
Cultivate Relationships: Build strong relationships with teachers, counselors, and community leaders who can write you powerful letters of recommendation.
7. Financial Need
FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for need-based scholarships.
8. Stay Informed
Subscribe to Scholarship Databases: Use scholarship search engines and databases to find opportunities.
Attend College Fairs: Participate in college fairs where you can meet representatives from HBCUs and learn about their scholarship options.
9. Networking
Alumni Connections: Reach out to alumni of the HBCU you’re interested in who may know of scholarship opportunities.
Professional Organizations: Join organizations related to your field of interest that might offer scholarships.
10. Consistency and Persistence
Keep Applying: Apply for multiple scholarships every year throughout high school.
Follow Up: After submitting applications, follow up with scholarship committees if appropriate to demonstrate your interest.
By starting early in your high school career and focusing on these areas, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a full scholarship to an HBCU.
At the bottom of this comprehensive detail on how to qualify for a full scholarship at an HBCU, here are the:
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used in Answering this Question:
The College Board
A reputable organization that provides detailed information on college admissions processes, including SAT testing information which is relevant for college applications and some scholarship criteria.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The official government site for the FAFSA process which is crucial for determining financial need and potential eligibility for need-based scholarships.
Scholarship Search Engines (e.g., Fastweb, Scholarships.com)
These search engines compile thousands of scholarship opportunities from various sources and provide tools for students to find scholarships they may be eligible for based on their profiles.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.