How Scholarships Work and Where to Start

I've heard there's a lot of scholarship money available, but I'm not sure how to tap into it effectively. It seems there are so many different types of scholarships out there—merit-based, need-based, sports, and more.

Can someone explain how scholarships generally work and offer some advice on where to start looking? How do you find scholarships that are a good match for you?

Universities, nonprofit organizations, and private companies offer scholarships as a form of financial aid to students. They are essentially free money that doesn't need to be paid back!

Types of scholarships you've mentioned like merit-based, need-based, sports, etc., refer to how they are awarded:

1. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic, artistic, or other talents.

2. Need-based scholarships are determined by the financial need of the student's family.

3. Sports scholarships are often given by colleges to athletes who are likely to make a significant contribution to the school's sports teams.

When it comes to finding suitable scholarships, first consider local opportunities. Check with your high school's guidance counselor and local community organizations. They often have knowledge of scholarships offered by local businesses, clubs, and societies.

Then, look at the colleges you're interested in. Your admissions portal usually provides scholarship information. Most universities automatically consider applicants for merit scholarships, but others may require separate applications.

For need-based aid, you'll have to fill out the FAFSA to establish your eligibility. In some cases, even merit-based aid at colleges requires filing the FAFSA, so it’s a good idea to complete it regardless of your financial situation.

For external scholarships, various online databases can be used to search for scholarships based on your own unique set of characteristics and interests. However, you should avoid scholarship search services that charge a fee.

Finally, aim for a balanced approach. Yes, apply to big, national scholarships, but don't ignore the smaller, local ones. While they might offer less money, your chances of winning can be higher because fewer students apply. It's a numbers game, so apply to as many scholarships as you reasonably can. Just make sure to watch out for deadlines, and carefully follow all application guidelines. The quality of your application is important too!