Which scholarships should I look into for a lower GPA?

I've been trying to find scholarships that are more forgiving if you don't have a super high GPA. I'm doing okay academically, but my GPA isn't as high as some of the top students in my class, and I still want to find ways to help pay for college. Are there scholarships that focus on other factors, like extracurriculars or personal essays, rather than just grades? Any recommendations or tips would be super helpful as I start my search.

Definitely, you have numerous scholarship opportunities even if your GPA is not sky-high. Many scholarships, indeed, pay attention to factors beyond academic performance, looking closely at fields like community service, leadership, personal essays, and unique talents.

One that comes to mind is the Doodle for Google Scholarship. This annual scholarship is administered by Google and gives students the chance to create a creative, innovative doodle that reflects a given theme. You don't need a specific GPA to qualify for this scholarship, all you need is your creativity!

Another example is the Duck Brand Duct Tape Stuck at Prom scholarship, which rewards creative use of duct tape in prom attire— quite a unique criterion that doesn't rely on academics!

A final example is the Courage to Grow Scholarship. This monthly scholarship asks students to write a short essay about why they deserve the scholarship. The scholarship committee reviews these essays for uniqueness and personal voice— not just academic achievement.

When searching for scholarships, remember to look for smaller, local scholarships first. These can be much less competitive than national scholarships. Often, organizations in your community— like rotary clubs, chambers of commerce, or other local businesses— will offer scholarships that take community involvement or leadership into account.

Remember that applying for scholarships is a numbers game: the more you apply for, the greater your chances of winning one. Don't be discouraged if you don't secure a scholarship on your first try — persistence is key. Good luck!