FINANCIAL AID
6 Simple Tips on How to Get a Scholarship for College
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EveryNurse Staff
- Last Updated: 04/14/2021
Whether you’re stepping on campus for your first day as an undergraduate or headed to graduate school, you might be wondering “How can I get a scholarship for college?”. We all want to make the best of our college years and anything that will save money is always worth considering. Here are 6 simple tips to help you land scholarships that can significantly reduce your overall tuition costs!
1. Look for Scholarships in Your Field
Are you a nursing major looking to get more scholarships? Research targeted scholarships for Nursing majors or those studying healthcare-related fields. Another way to find scholarships for your field is through your college’s financial aid office. Information sessions and workshops on how to apply for college funding are frequently offered by these offices, so be sure to get involved and ask about other sources of aid.
2. Start Your Scholarship Applications Early
Many scholarships cover everything from tuition to books, and others are tailored to specific groups, such as athletes or minority students. Scholarship applications become available in June and September, so begin your search at least three months before you need the money. You can even start applying during the summer if necessary, as many scholarships have no deadlines.
The process is simple: Scholarship organizations and foundations simply want you to tell them about yourself. The best way to do that is by creating a resume-like document packed with information about your school activities, work experience, and talents. You’ll also need to create a list of your accomplishments; explain how the scholarship money would allow you to further develop specific skills or talents; and close with a short essay explaining who you are and why you deserve the money. While this process may seem daunting at first, it’s actually quite fun – especially for those who are interested in scholastic achievement.
3. Apply for Scholarships Your Entire College Career
While some scholarships do not apply to new applicants, most scholarship programs have several rounds of applications each year. Signing up for these as soon as possible will increase your odds of getting a scholarship. For example, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program has an April deadline each year, but students can apply again in the fall.
Some colleges offer consideration for early decision, which allows students to apply to the school early and receive aid based on their academic performance during their freshman year (though you must still complete your applications in November). Some scholarships require that you apply after your school year ends.
4. Apply Everywhere
There are hundreds of scholarships available to college students from all backgrounds and majors. Scholarship hunting can be a numbers game. By applying to numerous scholarships and by heading online to national scholarship databases, you’ll have a better chance of being awarded some of the financial aid in your field from the many different scholarships available.
Don’t be intimidated by a scholarship because you think the requirements are too difficult for you to complete. If the scholarship you’re considering has requirements that are really tough to complete, then it’s probably a very prestigious scholarship. And since you may be one of only a small number of people who can complete its requirements, you’ll have less competition for the award.
5. Look Locally for Private Scholarships
Private scholarships are offered by a range of organizations and groups, including churches, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and civic clubs. Some are national in scope while others are only available to a local recipient.
Many local businesses and community members donate money to help students pursue their degrees, so be sure to ask around your neighborhood and community for scholarship opportunities. Many of these scholarships are available for high school seniors looking to make an impact on their community.
6. Remember, Smaller Awards Fund Higher Education
Even if you have to work to save up for college, a small award can make a big difference. While every scholarship is important, awards of $1,000 or less are generally less competitive and may not require extensive paperwork or academic work. Instead of focusing on the highest-ranked scholarship you can get, think about which small scholarship will fit your financial situation best.
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