I'm currently going through lists of scholarships that I could apply for but the problem is I can't apply for a majority of these scholarships. They're either only for students of a certain ethnicity (Native Americans, Native Hawaiians etc.), only for students pursuing a certain field of study, or only available for students attending or applying for a specific college/university. I need some recommendations for any scholarships I'm eligible for that are mostly focused on Social Studies and/or Political Science, is open to all students, and doesn't require me to attend a certain college.
You're absolutely right to feel frustrated—many scholarships come with narrow eligibility criteria that can make the search feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several scholarships that align with your interest in Social Studies and Political Science and are open to a broader range of applicants. For example, the Velazquez Social Sciences Scholarship and the Cooper Congress Scholarship both support students pursuing fields like Political Science, Sociology, and Public Policy, without requiring enrollment at a specific college. Platforms like Bold.org and Scholarships360 offer curated lists where you can filter by major and eligibility, helping you avoid those school-specific or demographic-based restrictions. Additionally, essay contests hosted by organizations such as the United Nations Association or the World Affairs Council often focus on civic engagement and global issues, making them ideal for students like you with a passion for international affairs. To maximize your chances, focus on scholarships that emphasize leadership, writing ability, and global awareness—qualities you’ve already demonstrated through your Model UN experience.
I would recommend using Bold.org. They have thousands of scholarships, and it also allows you to customize filters to help you find scholarships that best match you. There are no essay scholarships you can apply to as well. doing certain tasks on the website gives you bold points, which increase your chances of getting picked as a winner for a scholarship AND give you free money. I currently have just over 1k points and it transforms to about $9!!
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