I'm starting to look for scholarships to help fund my college education, but the most popular ones are so competitive. I've heard there are 'hidden' scholarships that don't get as many applicants and might be easier to win. Does anyone know how to find these lesser-known scholarships or have personal experiences with applying to them? Any tips on how to search for these opportunities would be greatly appreciated!
Sure, searching for less competitive scholarships can certainly be a great move! Many local businesses, foundations, or community groups offer scholarships that don’t get as much attention as the big national ones.
When conducting a scholarship search, start locally. Your high school guidance office is a great resource as they often have information about local scholarships. Also, check with local businesses, community organizations, and religious institutions. These scholarships may not have the biggest payout but with fewer applicants, your chances of winning increase.
Next, you should consider tapping into your unique circumstances, hobbies, or characteristics. Many scholarships exist for students who belong to underrepresented or niche communities or who have specific skills. For instance, scholarships might be awarded based on unique hobbies, being left-handed, or even things like being a twin!
Additionally, thinking about organizations or companies your family is connected to. For instance, some workplaces offer scholarships for their employees' children. This could be a great avenue to explore as the applicant pool might be quite small.
Lastly, Appily (formerly known as Cappex) is a good resource for finding scholarships that aren't flooded with applicants. Always remember to search beyond just the big names scholarships; sometimes, the ones with smaller awards are even more worth your time because they’re less competitive. So don't discount a scholarship just because it's not a huge amount—small awards can add up!
Remember, every bit of free funding helps, and even securing a smaller award can greatly help reduce your college expenses. Good luck on your scholarship hunt!
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