According to Debt.org, the average student loan debt in 2017 was $37,172! Financial independence helps you grow as a person and allows you to enter adulthood free from the burden of crippling debt. The best way to avoid this debt as you enter college is through scholarships.
The applying for scholarships isn’t difficult, but it does require some effort and attention to detail.
The process of applying for a scholarship is like a college application.
- Narrow down all potential choices into a list of grants that matches your needs and requirements
- Create appealing application supported by achievements and recommendations
The Steps In Applying for Scholarships
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- Research early
- Ensure you are eligible for the scholarship grant
- Be well-organized with all your scholarship materials and have them ready prior to the application date
- Check your application and have it proofread
- Do not leave any items on the application blank
- Always follow instructions strictly
- Ensure your application is written legibly and clearly
- Keep a copy of the things you send out
- Submit your application early
Get in touch with the financial aid office of the universities or colleges that you want to attend to and inquire about their policies on scholarship grants outside their institutions.
One of the greatest things about college is the free money people will throw at you. Yes, that’s right, scholarships and grants. Unfortunately, your income has to be pretty low to qualify for most grants, I’m talking low enough that it’s hard to even live on. So, scholarships are your best friend.
The essay
Most scholarship applications include an essay. Usually, the scholarship essays are pretty generic and you can use the same essay for multiple applications. A good idea is to write one about your life and any obstacles you’ve overcome that made you a better person. The best essays are those about your passions. Did you really volunteer with the elderly because you live to help people or to put it on your college application? If you’re a funny person, let them know that. If you are a bleeding heart, bleed all over that paper. An essay is about selling yourself and if you must embellish, then go ahead.
Where to find them
Your school advisers have the best collection of local scholarships, which give you a better chance. Also, most colleges have their own scholarships, which I think are just discounts since they’re the ones giving it to you. Either way, it’s money you don’t have to pay back. Most undergraduates with decent grades and a half decent essay can get something out of their school if they apply. After you’ve tapped those resources, online is the next step. Here’s three websites that were crucial for me.
Athletic scholarships are often awarded to high school athletes based on skill and performance. Unless you’re already a talented athlete, you should keep looking. Academic scholarships are based on your academic merit and financial scholarships are for those in financial need of assistance. Academic scholarships are hard to get because you’re being judged based on GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities and awards. Athletic and academic scholarships are very competitive and you need to start early to market your abilities to get noticed.
Places to look for private scholarships:
- Corporations
- Unions
- Foundations
- High schools
- Religious organizations
- Chamber of commerce
- Philanthropic organizations
Be careful when giving out personal information. Make sure it’s a legitimate scholarship before you give too much info. Stay away if they want some of your money.
