Seeking scholarships for college as a cancer survivor

I'm currently a junior in high school and starting to think about college costs. I had cancer a few years ago and have been told there might be scholarships available specifically for cancer survivors. Does anyone know where I could look for these kinds of scholarships or how competitive they might be? Any personal experiences or tips would be super helpful as I try to navigate this! Thanks!

There are indeed scholarships available specifically for students who are cancer survivors, and I'd be happy to point you toward a few that you might consider applying to. The scholarship opportunities for cancer survivors can range from those who service hundreds of students a year to those who select just one or two recipients annually. Here are a few examples:

1. The "Beyond the Cure" Scholarship Program offered by the National Children's Cancer Society, which provides $5000/year to survivors.

2. The Ulman Foundation offers several scholarships, with the average award being about $2500.

3. Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's "Survivor Scholarship" program provides $1000 for up to four years for survivors of pediatric brain tumors.

You can also look at the American Cancer Society's website, which has a page dedicated to financial assistance, including scholarships.

When it comes to competitiveness, the competition level varies but can be quite high, given the limited availability of funds. Many scholarships for survivors consider not just the applicant's medical history, but academic performance, service to the community, personal essays, and more. My tip would be to approach these applications as you would any other scholarship, emphasizing your academic strengths, extracurricular involvement, and community service.

Regarding your statement or essay for these scholarships, I strongly believe it's all about showcasing who you are as an individual and as a fighter. Show your resilience, the experience you've gained throughout your battle with the disease, and how you wish to use those experiences in your future/college life. It's crucial to demonstrate that your battle did not hold you back, but instead, it pushed you forward - without sinking into very common or cliché narratives.

Remember, don't count yourself out before even trying! Now's when all your hard work can pay off - not just in overcoming cancer, but in every endeavor you've endeavored thus far. Best of luck in your scholarship search!