Hey everyone! I'm a junior in high school, and I'm starting to plan my college applications. Paying for college is a big worry for me, and I've heard that room and board can be a huge expense. Does anyone have any advice on how to find scholarships specifically for room and board for the 2024 school year? Are there specific websites or resources you recommend that focus on these types of scholarships? I'd love to hear any tips or personal experiences you might have.
Certainly, scholarships are a great way to offset the cost of college, including room and board. While it's quite rare to find scholarships that cover room and board exclusively, many scholarships can be put towards this expense alongside tuition, depending on the fellowship terms and conditions.
Some colleges themselves offer Room and Board scholarships or grants, so it would be wise to investigate this possibility while reviewing individual college financial aid portals. If you're involved in leadership or have a particular talent (like in sports, arts, etc.), you may also want to consider schools that offer merit scholarships in those areas as often they cover or can be used towards room and board.
In terms of external scholarships, the rules are often more flexible regarding what the award money can be used for. That being said, it's key to parse through the guidelines of individual scholarships thoroughly to understand if you can use the funds for room and board. For your search, resources like Appily, Fastweb, and College Board's Scholarship Search can be useful platforms to explore for a variety of scholarships.
On a final note, remember to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. The Student Aid Index (SAI) could potentially show that you have financial need, qualifying you for grants that can be used for any educational expenses.
Just keep in mind, while searching for scholarships, be wary of scams or any application that asks for a fee. Genuine scholarships will never ask you to pay to apply. Happy hunting!
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