With college right around the corner, I'm stressed about finding ways to keep costs down. I know scholarships are a big piece of this puzzle, but I'm not sure how to effectively apply for them in 2025.
What are the best strategies for finding scholarships? Are there any new resources or tips for someone applying this year that might be different from the past? And for those who've been through this before, how many scholarships did you apply to before you found success?
Scholarships are indeed a crucial part of college expenses and it's great that you're giving them importance. Searching for them can often feel overwhelming because there are just so many scholarships out there, but every little bit helps.
One tip to keep in mind is to begin your search early. Often times, scholarship deadlines can fall a year before college start dates, so you want to get a head start on your search to meet those deadlines.
There are several online platforms that can make your search easier, such as Scholarship.com, Chegg Scholarships, and Fastweb. You will often need to create a profile on these platforms, which will enable them to match you with scholarships suitable for you based on your demographics, make sure your profile is updated and complete to maximize your matches.
Keep in mind to apply to both large national scholarships and smaller local ones. Local scholarships often have fewer applicants, which might increase your chances of winning them. Start looking into organizations in your community, like local businesses, clubs, and civic groups which may offer scholarships.
Be proactive during your application process. Have a pre-written template for general essays and tailor it to fit specific scholarship applications. But also keep your eyes open for essay contests. Often the prize can cover a big portion of your tuition.
When it comes to how many scholarships to apply for, the numbers vary for everyone. Apply to as many as you potentially qualify for—it's generally a numbers game. Every application increases your chances.
And finally, don't forget to consult your high school counselor as they could have resources or insights specific to your area or school.
I hope this gives you a good introduction to scholarship searching and applying. Best of luck!
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